trichome

[ trik-ohm, trahy-kohm ]

noun

1. Botany. an outgrowth from the epidermis of plants, as a hair.
2. a microorganism composed of many filamentous cells arranged in strands or chains.

trichome

/ ˈtrɪk-; ˈtraɪkəʊm; trɪˈkɒmɪk /

noun

1. any hairlike outgrowth from the surface of a plant
2. any of the threadlike structures that make up the filaments of blue-green algae

trichome

/ trĭk′ōm′,trī′kōm′ /

1. One of the hairlike or bristlelike outgrowths on the epidermis of a plant. Trichomes serve a variety of functions, depending on their location. As root hairs (and as leaf hairs in epiphytes), trichomes absorb water and minerals. As leaf hairs, they reflect radiation, lower plant temperature, and reduce water loss. They also provide defense against insects.

Derived Forms

• trichomic, adjective

Other Words From

• tri·chom·ic [trih-, kom, -ik, -, koh, -mik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of trichome¹

First recorded in 1870–75, trichome is from the Greek word tríchōma growth of hair. See trich-, -oma

Word History and Origins

Origin of trichome¹

C19: from Greek trikhōma , from trikhoun to cover with hair, from thrix a hair