monocotyledon

[ mon-uh-kot-l-eed-n ]

noun

, Botany.

1. an angiospermous plant of the class Monocotyledones, characterized by producing seeds with one cotyledon and an endogenous manner of growth.

monocotyledon

/ ˌmɒnəʊˌkɒtɪˈliːdən /

noun

1. See dicotyledon
   any flowering plant of the class Monocotyledonae, having a single embryonic seed leaf, leaves with parallel veins, and flowers with parts in threes: includes grasses, lilies, palms, and orchids Often shortened tomonocot Compare dicotyledon

monocotyledon

/ mŏn′ə-kŏt′l-ēd′n /

1. Any of a class of angiosperm plants having a single cotyledon in the seed. Monocotyledons have leaves with parallel veins, flower parts in multiples of three, and fibrous root systems. Their primary vascular bundles are scattered throughout the stem, not arranged in a ring as in eudicotyledons. Grasses, palms, lilies, irises, and orchids are monocotyledons.
2. See more at leafCompare eudicotyledon

Derived Forms

• ˌmonoˌcotyˈledonous, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of monocotyledon¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1720–30; mono-, cotyledon

Example Sentences

The term monocotyledon is applied to these plants because the embryo has only one cotyledon or seed-leaf.

From Project Gutenberg

The case described in your last letter of the trimorphic monocotyledon Pontederia is grand.

From Project Gutenberg