epinasty

American  

[ep-uh-nas-tee] / ˈɛp əˌnæs ti /

noun

Botany.

1. (especially of leaves) increased growth on the upper surface of an organ or part, causing it to bend downward.

---

epinasty British  

/ ˈɛpɪˌnæstɪ /

noun

1. increased growth of the upper surface of a plant part, such as a leaf, resulting in a downward bending of the part Compare hyponasty

---

Other Word Forms

• epinastic
  adjective

---

Etymology

Origin of epinasty

1875–80; epi- + Greek nast ( ós ) pressed close + -y ³

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

epinasty

As the arching occurred in whatever position the seeds were placed, it is no doubt due to temporarily increased growth of the nature of epinasty or hyponasty along one side of the part.

From The Power of Movement in Plants by Charles Darwin

The young leaves of Cannabis sativa sink at night between 30o and 40o beneath the horizon; and Kraus attributes this to epinasty in conjunction with the absorption of water.

From The Power of Movement in Plants by Charles Darwin

With the flower-peduncles of Oxalis, epinasty causes them to bend down, so that the ripening pods may be protected by the calyx from the rain.

From The Power of Movement in Plants by Charles Darwin

On the other hand, from observing the effects of tying a shoot downwards, so that the rectangle faced upwards, we are led to believe that the curvature is partly due to epinasty.

From The Power of Movement in Plants by Charles Darwin

This movement is due to epinasty, as is likewise the case with the flowers of T. repens.

From The Power of Movement in Plants by Charles Darwin

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---