midrib

American  

[mid-rib] / ˈmɪdˌrɪb /

noun

Botany.

1. the central or middle rib of a leaf.

---

midrib British  

/ ˈmɪdˌrɪb /

noun

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

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of midrib

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

Example Sentences

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

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

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

In a simple leaf, the blade is either completely undivided—as in the banana leaf—or it has lobes, but the separation does not reach the midrib, as in the maple leaf.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Figure 23.1 A locust leaf consists of leaflets arrayed along a central midrib.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

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