carpel
|car-pel|
C2
🇺🇸
/ˈkɑrpəl/
🇬🇧
/ˈkɑːpəl/
female, ovary-bearing unit of a flower
Etymology
Etymology Information
'carpel' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'carpellum', where 'carp-' (from Greek 'karpós') meant 'fruit'.
Historical Evolution
'carpellum' was formed in New/Modern Latin from Greek 'karpós' meaning 'fruit'; the botanical term was adopted into English in the 19th century as 'carpel'.
Meaning Changes
Initially related to 'fruit' or a 'little fruit' in form, the term came to be used in botany to denote the ovule-bearing (female) unit of a flower.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the female reproductive organ of a flower, typically composed of a stigma, style, and ovary.
The carpel receives pollen on its stigma and houses the ovules in the ovary.
Synonyms
pistil (in some contexts)female reproductive organ
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/12 19:29