phylloclade

[fil-uh-kleyd]

noun

Botany.

1. a flattened stem or branch having the function of a leaf.

2. a cladophyll.

phylloclade

/ ˈfɪləʊˌklæd, ˈfɪləʊˌkleɪd /

noun

1. other names for cladode

phylloclade

1. A flattened, photosynthetic branch or stem that resembles or performs the function of a leaf, as in certain cacti such as the prickly pear.

Other Word Forms

• phyllocladioid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of phylloclade¹

From the New Latin word phyllocladium, dating back to 1855–60. See phyllo-, clad-, -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of phylloclade¹

C19: from New Latin phyllocladium, from _phyllo- + Greek klados branch