coleorhiza

[koh-lee-uh-rahy-zuh, kol-ee-]

noun

Botany.

plural

coleorhizae 

1. the sheath that envelops the radicle in certain plants and that is penetrated by the root in germination.

coleorhiza

/ ˌkɒlɪəˈraɪzə /

noun

1. a protective sheath around the radicle in grasses

Word History and Origins

Origin of coleorhiza¹

1865–70; < New Latin < Greek koleó ( n ) sheath, scabbard + rhíza root ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of coleorhiza¹

C19: from New Latin, from Greek koleon sheath + rhiza root

Example Sentences

Germination.—In germination the coleorhiza lengthens, ruptures the pericarp, and fixes the grain to the ground by developing numerous hairs.

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Coleorhiza, kol-ē-ō-rī′za, n. the root-sheath in endogens.

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The sheath which envelopes the radicle is called coleorhiza and that of the plumule, pileole or germ-sheath.

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