radicle

[rad-i-kuhl]

noun

1. Botany.

   1. the lower part of the axis of an embryo; the primary root.

   2. a rudimentary root; radicel or rootlet.

2. Chemistry.,  (formerly) radical.

3. Anatomy.,  a small rootlike part or structure, as the beginning of a nerve or vein.

radicle

/ ˈrædɪkəl /

noun

1. botany

   1. part of the embryo of seed-bearing plants that develops into the main root

   2. a very small root or rootlike part

2. anatomy any bodily structure resembling a rootlet, esp one of the smallest branches of a vein or nerve

3. chem a variant spelling of radical

radicle

1. The part of a plant embryo that develops into a root. In most seeds, the radicle is the first structure to emerge on germination.

2. A small anatomical structure, such as a fibril of a nerve, that resembles a root.

Word History and Origins

Origin of radicle¹

1665–75; < Latin rādīcula small root, equivalent to rādīc- (stem of rādīx ) root ¹ + -ula -ule

Word History and Origins

Origin of radicle¹

C18: from Latin rādīcula a little root, from rādīx root

Example Sentences

But instead of having just one root, most plants have millions of individual roots, each with a single radicle.

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Inverted and straight, with the micropyle next the hilum and the radicle consequently inferior.

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At the extremity most remote from the hilum, as the embryo, or inverted with respect to the seed, as the radicle.

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Sachs discovered that the radicle a little above the apex is sensitive and bends like a tendril towards the touching object.

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It is possible that they may further obtain access into the circulation through the radicles which furnish the communications between the capillaries and the lymphatics.

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Related Words

• essence 
• foundation 
• heart 
• origin 
• seed 
• soul 
• source 
• stem 
• stuff