locular

American  

[lok-yuh-ler] / ˈlɒk jə lər /

Also loculate

adjective

Biology.

1. having one or more locules.

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locular British  

/ ˈlɒkjʊlə, -lɪt, ˈlɒkjʊˌleɪt /

adjective

1. biology divided into compartments by septa

   the locular ovary of a plant

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Other Word Forms

• loculation
  noun
• interlocular
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of locular

First recorded in 1775–85, locular is from the New Latin word loculāris kept in boxes. See loculus, -ar ¹

Explanation

The adjective locular describes organisms or structures containing cavities or chambers. Some mollusks have locular shells, and plants like peppers are locular, having seeds in compartments. When you slice most cucumbers, you'll find a three-chambered structure inside, with edible seeds nestled into each narrow space. Other locular fruits include tomatoes and lemons. Many flowers and some fungi are also locular. Each compartment or chamber is a locule, the plural of which is loculi. The word derives from the Latin diminutive loculus, "little place," from locus, "place."