calyx

[ key-liks, kal-iks ]

noun

, plural ca·lyx·es, cal·y·ces [kal, -, uh, -seez, key, -l, uh, -].

1. Botany. the outermost group of floral parts; the sepals.
2. Anatomy, Zoology. a cuplike part.

calyx

/ ˈkeɪlɪks; ˈkælɪˌkeɪt; ˈkælɪks /

noun

1. See corolla
   the sepals of a flower collectively, forming the outer floral envelope that protects the developing flower bud Compare corolla
2. any cup-shaped cavity or structure, esp any of the divisions of the human kidney ( renal calyx ) that form the renal pelvis

calyx

/ kā′lĭks,kăl′ĭks /

1. The sepals of a flower considered as a group. The calyx is the outermost whorl of a flower.
2. See more at sepal

Derived Forms

• calycate, adjective

Other Words From

• cal·y·cate [kal, -i-keyt], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of calyx¹

First recorded in 1665–75; from Latin, from Greek kályx “cup, calyx (of a flower), husk, pod, covering,” akin to kalýptein “to veil, cover”

Word History and Origins

Origin of calyx¹

C17: from Latin, from Greek kalux shell, from kaluptein to cover, hide

Example Sentences

He rushed back to Tampa and has declined interviews but spoke last week at a memorial service honoring Calyx and Beau.

From The Daily Beast

Another previous incident had caused Calyx's mouth to bleed, Calyx said, although Julie said she never saw any blood.

From The Daily Beast

In October, Parker posted a photo of Calyx with her cross-country teammates.

From The Daily Beast

To impregnate these, a bunch of male flowers is carefully inserted and fastened in the calyx.

From Project Gutenberg

These rubiace had no calyx; therefore the principle laid down on the blackboard was false.

From Project Gutenberg

Alismace, distinguished by possessing barren and fertile flowers, with a three-leaved calyx and three coloured petals.

From Project Gutenberg

The calyx is composed of five sepals, the corolla of four or five lobes, and the stamens are attached to the corolla.

From Project Gutenberg

The umbels are sessile or nearly so, the flowers have no calyx, and the fruit has five prominent ridges.

From Project Gutenberg