sympodium

[sim-poh-dee-uh m]

noun, plural sym·po·di·a [sim-poh-dee-uh] /sɪmˈpoʊ di ə/. Botany.

an axis or stem that simulates a simple stem but is made up of the bases of a number of axes that arise successively as branches, one from another, as in the grapevine.

Compare monopodium.

Origin of sympodium

1860–65; < New Latin < Greek sym- sym- + pódion small foot, base; see podium

Also called pseudaxis.

Related formssym·po·di·al, adjectivesym·po·di·al·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for sympodium

sympodium

noun plural -dia (-dɪə)

the main axis of growth in the grapevine and similar plants: a lateral branch that arises from just behind the apex of the main stem, which ceases to grow, and continues growing in the same direction as the main stemCompare monopodium

Derived Formssympodial, adjectivesympodially, adverb

Word Origin for sympodium

C19: from New Latin, from syn- + Greek podion a little foot, from pous foot

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012