gynoecium

[ji-nee-see-uhm, -shee-, gahy-, jahy-]

noun

Botany.

plural

gynoecia 

1. the pistil or pistils of a flower; the female parts.

gynoecium

/ dʒaɪˈniːsɪəm, ɡaɪ- /

noun

1. the carpels of a flowering plant collectively

gynoecium

plural

gynoecia 

1. The female reproductive organs of a flower considered as a group; the pistil or pistils.

2. Compare androecium

Word History and Origins

Origin of gynoecium¹

1600–10; < New Latin, irregular < Greek gynaikeîon; gynaeceum ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of gynoecium¹

C18: New Latin, from Greek gunaikeion women's quarters, from gunaik-, gunē woman + -eion, suffix indicating place

Example Sentences

The gynoecium or pistil is the central portion of the flower, terminating the floral axis.

From Project Gutenberg

In these days women should be educated for the salon as they once were for the gynoecium.

From Project Gutenberg

The androecium and gynoecium are not present in all flowers.

From Project Gutenberg

In this case it is the gynoecium which has an additional number of parts.

From Project Gutenberg

A flower then normally consists of the four series of leaves—calyx, corolla, androecium and gynoecium—and when these are all present the flower is complete.

From Project Gutenberg