coleoptile

[ koh-lee-op-til, kol-ee- ]

noun

, Botany.

1. (in grasses) the first leaf above the ground, forming a sheath around the stem tip.

coleoptile

/ ˌkɒlɪˈɒptaɪl /

noun

1. a protective sheath around the plumule in grasses

coleoptile

/ kō′lē-ŏp′tĭl,kŏl′ē- /

1. A protective sheath enclosing the shoot tip and embryonic leaves of grasses.

Word History and Origins

Origin of coleoptile¹

1865–70; < New Latin coleoptilum < Greek koleó ( n ) sheath, scabbard + ptílon soft feathers, down

Word History and Origins

Origin of coleoptile¹

C19: from New Latin coleoptilum, from Greek koleon sheath + ptilon down, soft plumage