trichome

noun

tri·​chome ˈtri-ˌkōm How to pronounce trichome (audio)
ˈtrī-
: a filamentous outgrowth
especially : an epidermal hair structure on a plant

Examples of trichome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Give them a weekly soaking, always in the morning and never at night because that’s when the plant opens up its pores, or trichomes, to allow moisture to enter. Jennifer Dixon, Detroit Free Press, 1 Sep. 2023 Those are its trichomes, scalelike structures that absorb water. Jennifer Dixon, Detroit Free Press, 1 Sep. 2023 These trichomes contain valuable compounds like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 26 Aug. 2023 Also team trichome: passion fruit, lychees, and gooseberries. Sarra Sedghi, Bon Appétit, 17 July 2023 Raspberries are far from the only fruit covered in trichomes. Sarra Sedghi, Bon Appétit, 17 July 2023 The visible papillar bumps, which acidify when the trichome is touched, store chemicals that may discourage invading insects. Discover Magazine, 26 Mar. 2018 In sensing a mechanical stimulus, this trichome—or hair cell of a plant—fluoresces red with acidity and green to indicate base. Discover Magazine, 26 Mar. 2018 Hemp’s sativa is taller; the shorter indica has resiny trichomes accounting for its psychoactive power. Adam Popescu, New York Times, 29 Jan. 2018 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trichome.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

German Trichom, from Greek trichōma growth of hair, from trichoun to cover with hair, from trich-, thrix hair

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trichome was in 1875

Dictionary Entries Near trichome

Cite this Entry

“Trichome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trichome. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.

Medical Definition

trichome

noun
: a strand or chain of cells (as in a filamentous colony of bacteria or algae)

More from Merriam-Webster on trichome

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