calyptra

[ kuh-lip-truh ]

noun

, Botany.

1. Also called cap. a hood or hoodlike part, as the lid of the capsule in mosses.
2. a root cap.

calyptra

/ kəˈlɪptrə; kəˈlɪpˌtreɪt /

noun

1. a membranous hood covering the spore-bearing capsule of mosses and liverworts
2. any hoodlike structure, such as a root cap

calyptra

/ kə-lĭp′trə /

1. In some bryophyte plants, a structure that covers the young sporophyte as it develops within the tissues of its gametophyte parent. The calyptra, which consists of a thickening of the archegonium walls, eventually breaks open as the spore capsule grows.
2. See root cap

Derived Forms

• calyptrate, adjective

Other Words From

• ca·lyp·trate [k, uh, -, lip, -treyt], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of calyptra¹

1745–55; < New Latin < Greek kalýptra veil, covering, equivalent to kalýp ( tein ) to veil, cover + -tra noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of calyptra¹

C18: from New Latin, from Greek kaluptra hood, from kaluptein to cover

Example Sentences

The calyptra is half-cleft, and the lid conical and shortly beaked.

From Project Gutenberg

The calyptra (fig. 24) is half-cleft (dimidiate) and very hairy.

From Project Gutenberg

In Calyptra Equestris, it has two prominent points, and is described as bi-furcated (fig. 18).

From Project Gutenberg

The Calyptra may be known from Crepidula by the septum, which in the latter is a flat plate reaching half way across the cavity.

From Project Gutenberg

Involucral leaves coalescent into an oblong truncate hairy tube, blended in our species with the calyptra; perianth none.

From Project Gutenberg