phyllody

[ fil-uh-dee ]

nounBotany.
  1. the abnormal transformation of a floral structure into a foliage leaf.

Origin of phyllody

1
First recorded in 1885–90; phyllode + -y3

Words Nearby phyllody

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use phyllody in a sentence

  • phyllody of the stamens happens less frequently than the corresponding condition in the neighbouring organs.

    Vegetable Teratology | Maxwell T. Masters
  • Some of the above are probably cases of mere virescence rather than of phyllody.

    Vegetable Teratology | Maxwell T. Masters
  • Many of these cases, and others that might be cited, are probably instances of frondescence or phyllody (see p. 241).

    Vegetable Teratology | Maxwell T. Masters