petal
[ pet-l ]
/ ˈpɛt l /
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noun
one of the often colored segments of the corolla of a flower.
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Origin of petal
1695–1705; <New Latin petalum petal, Latin: metal plate <Greek pétalon a thin plate, leaf, noun use of neuter of pétalos spread out, akin to petannýnai to be open, Latin patēre to stand open (see patent)
OTHER WORDS FROM petal
Other definitions for petal (2 of 2)
-petal
a combining form meaning “seeking, moving toward” that specified by the initial element, used in the formation of compound words: acropetal.
Origin of -petal
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use petal in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for petal (1 of 2)
petal
/ (ˈpɛtəl) /
noun
any of the separate parts of the corolla of a flower: often brightly coloured
Derived forms of petal
petaline, adjectivepetal-like, adjectivepetalled, adjectiveWord Origin for petal
C18: from New Latin petalum, from Greek petalon leaf; related to petannunai to lie open
British Dictionary definitions for petal (2 of 2)
-petal
adj combining form
seekingcentripetal
Word Origin for -petal
from New Latin -petus, from Latin petere to seek
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medical definitions for petal
-petal
suff.
Moving toward:basipetal.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for petal
petal
[ pĕt′l ]
One of the often brightly colored parts of a flower surrounding the reproductive organs. Petals are attached to the receptacle underneath the carpels and stamens and may be separate or joined at their bases. As a group, the petals are called the corolla. See more at flower.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.