midrib

American  

[mid-rib] / ˈmɪdˌrɪb /

noun

Botany.

1. the central or middle rib of a leaf.

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midrib British  

/ ˈmɪdˌrɪb /

noun

1. the main vein of a leaf, running down the centre of the blade

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midrib Scientific  

/ mĭd′rĭb′ /

1. The central or main vein of a leaf, as in eudicots, magnoliids, and ferns. Midribs generally protrude from the underside of leaves with pinnate venation.

2. See more at venation

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Etymology

Origin of midrib

First recorded in 1690–1700; mid- + rib ¹

Example Sentences

Most leaves have a midrib, which travels the length of the leaf and branches to each side to produce veins of vascular tissue.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

A leaf petiole attaches to the main petiole or the midrib, not the stem, whereas a leaflet petiole attaches directly to the stem at a bud node.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Eggs that are laid in the midrib on the underside of leaves first hatch in mid-May, but those infestations are followed by later generations in June, July and August.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 20, 2018

Part B photo shows a teardrop-shaped linden leaf that has veins radiating out from the midrib.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

Above him was a bright green tube that looked like a midrib of a large leaf.

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young