ligule

[ lig-yool ]

noun

, Botany.

1. a thin, membranous outgrowth from the base of the blade of most grasses.
2. a strap-shaped corolla, as in the ray flowers of the head of certain composite plants.

ligule

/ ˈlɪɡjuːl /

noun

1. a membranous outgrowth at the junction between the leaf blade and sheath in many grasses and sedges
2. a strap-shaped corolla, such as that of a ray floret in the daisy

ligule

/ lĭg′yo̅o̅l /

1. A straplike structure, such as the long flattened lobe of the corolla of a ray flower or a membranous or hairy appendage between the sheath and blade of a grass leaf.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ligule¹

1595–1605; < Latin ligula; ligula

Word History and Origins

Origin of ligule¹

C19: via French, from Latin ligula strap, variant of lingula, from lingua tongue

Example Sentences

Sheath of the leaves usually more or less extended above the base of the blade into a scarious appendage (ligule).

From Project Gutenberg

Leaves linear, frequently involute, and the ligule or throat of the sheath bearded with long villous hairs.

From Project Gutenberg

The ligule is a fringe of close-set hairs on an inconspicuous ridge.

From Project Gutenberg

The ligule is a narrow membrane with the edge cut into narrow lobes.

From Project Gutenberg

The ligule is membranous truncate, glabrous, about 1/16 inch in height.

From Project Gutenberg