petal

¹ American  

[pet-l] / ˈpɛt l /

noun

1. one of the often colored segments of the corolla of a flower.

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-petal ² American  

1. a combining form meaning “seeking, moving toward” that specified by the initial element, used in the formation of compound words.

   acropetal.

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petal ¹ British  

/ ˈpɛtəl /

noun

1. any of the separate parts of the corolla of a flower: often brightly coloured

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-petal ² British  

combining form

1. seeking

   centripetal

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petal Scientific  

/ pĕt′l /

1. One of the often brightly colored parts of a flower surrounding the reproductive organs. Petals are attached to the receptacle underneath the carpels and stamens and may be separate or joined at their bases. As a group, the petals are called the corolla.

2. See more at flower

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Other Word Forms

• petal-like adjective
• petalage noun
• petaled adjective
• petaline adjective
• petalled adjective
• petalless adjective
• petallike adjective
• unpetaled adjective
• unpetalled adjective

Etymology

Origin of petal¹

1695–1705; < New Latin petalum petal, Latin: metal plate < Greek pétalon a thin plate, leaf, noun use of neuter of pétalos spread out, akin to petannýnai to be open, Latin patēre to stand open ( patent )

Origin of -petal²

< New Latin -pet ( us ) seeking, derivative of Latin petere to seek + -al ¹

Example Sentences

However, black-and-white tattoo roses cascade down her neck and arms, Carolina roses with delicate petals.

From Literature

The great puffy clouds that lined the horizon earlier, like boats lined up along a dock, are now streaked with equal parts gray, tangerine, and rose petal pink, the last colors of the day’s light.

From Literature

“Poppy petals,” Clare said, having named them for their wavy crimson tops.

From Literature

The tiny white and pink petals of cherry flowers, known as sakura, herald the start of spring in Japan, and full bloom ushers in a brief period of boisterous outdoor parties held by residents.

From Barron's

A few faded petals clung now to the new-leafed branches, but most of the Bride’s flowers had fallen, forming a wilted carpet beneath us.

From Literature

Related Words

• frond
• needle
• stalk