septifragal

[ sep-tif-ruh-guhl ]

adjective

, Botany.

1. (of a capsule) dehiscing by breaking away from the partitions but remaining attached to the common axis; dehiscing at the valves or backs of the carpels but leaving the septa intact.

septifragal

/ sɛpˈtɪfrəɡəl /

adjective

1. (of a dehiscence) characterized by breaking apart from a natural line of division in the fruit

Other Words From

• sep·tifra·gal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of septifragal¹

C19: from septi- ² + -fragal, from Latin frangere to break

Example Sentences

Septifragal, where the valves in dehiscence break away from the partitions, 123.

From Project Gutenberg