epinasty

[ ep-uh-nas-tee ]

noun

, Botany.

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

epinasty

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˌepiˈnastic, adjective

Other Words From

• epi·nastic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of epinasty¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of epinasty¹

C19: from epi- + -nasty, from Greek nastos pressed down, from nassein to press

Example Sentences

Young leaves exhibit moreover a pronounced hyponasty or epinasty, which would naturally modify the diurnal curve.

From Project Gutenberg