pulvinus
noun
pul·vi·nus
ˌpəl-ˈvī-nəs 
-ˈvē-
-ˈvē-
plural pulvini
ˌpəl-ˈvī-ˌnī
-ˈvē-(ˌ)nē
: a swelling at the base of a petiole or petiolule
Examples of pulvinus in a Sentence
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While the pulvinus doesn’t exist in all plants, it’s typically found at the base of a leaf and works as a motor organ.
—
Lydia Rivers, Discover Magazine, 20 July 2021
The pulvinus cells create noticeable movement in plant leaves by enlarging and shrinking.
—Lydia Rivers, Discover Magazine, 20 July 2021
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Lydia Rivers, Discover Magazine, 20 July 2021
The pulvinus cells create noticeable movement in plant leaves by enlarging and shrinking.
—Lydia Rivers, Discover Magazine, 20 July 2021
Cite this Entry
“Pulvinus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pulvinus. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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