pulvinus

[puhl-vahy-nuhs]

noun

plural

pulvini 

1. Botany.,  a cushionlike swelling at the base of a leaf or leaflet, at the point of junction with the axis.

2. Architecture.,  pulvinar.

pulvinus

/ pʌlˈvaɪnəs /

noun

1. a swelling at the base of a leafstalk: changes in its turgor pressure cause changes in the position of the leaf

Word History and Origins

Origin of pulvinus¹

First recorded in 1855–60, pulvinus is from the Latin word pulvīnus cushion

Word History and Origins

Origin of pulvinus¹

C19: from Latin: cushion