involucel

[ in-vol-yuh-sel ]

noun

, Botany.

1. a secondary involucre, as in a compound cluster of flowers.

involucel

/ ɪnˈvɒljʊˌsɛl; ɪnˌvɒljʊˈsɛləm /

noun

1. a ring of bracts at the base of the florets of a compound umbel

Derived Forms

• inˌvoluˈcellate, adjective

Other Words From

• in·vol·u·cel·ate [in-vol-y, uh, -, sel, -it], in·vol·u·cel·at·ed [in-vol-y, uh, -, sel, -ey-tid], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of involucel¹

1755–65; < New Latin involūcellum, diminutive of Latin involūcrum involucrum; for formation, castellum

Word History and Origins

Origin of involucel¹

C19: from New Latin involūcellum a little cover; see involucre

Example Sentences

When the umbellets are subtended by an involucre, this secondary involucre is called an Involucel.

From Project Gutenberg

Spikelets are obovoid or lanceolate, 1- to 2-flowered, persistent on their stalks, one to three in an involucel.

From Project Gutenberg

Spikelets one to three in each involucel, persistent, 1- to 2-flowered, with three or four glumes.

From Project Gutenberg

Calyx with a 3-leaved involucel at the base, like an outer calyx.

From Project Gutenberg

Calyx either naked or with a 3-leaved involucel at its base.

From Project Gutenberg