zygomorphic

American  

[zahy-guh-mawr-fik, zig-uh-] / ˌzaɪ gəˈmɔr fɪk, ˌzɪg ə- /

Also zygomorphous

adjective

Biology.

1. having bilateral symmetry; divisible lengthwise into similar or symmetrical halves.

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zygomorphic British  

/ ˌzɪɡ-, ˌzaɪɡəʊˈmɔːfɪk /

adjective

1. (of a flower) capable of being cut in only one plane so that the two halves are mirror images See also actinomorphic

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zygomorphic Scientific  

/ zī′gə-môr′fĭk,zĭg′ə- /

1. Relating to a flower that can be divided into equal halves along only one line; bilaterally symmetrical. The flowers of the iris and the snapdragon are zygomorphic.

2. Compare actinomorphic

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Other Word Forms

• zygomorphism
  noun
• zygomorphy
  noun

Etymology

Origin of zygomorphic

First recorded in 1870–75; zygo- + -morphic

Example Sentences

In Pelargonium the flower is zygomorphic with a spurred posterior sepal and the petals differing in size or shape.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 7 "Geoponici" to "Germany" by Various

I am not sure whether such peloric flowers have ever been purely pollinated and their seed saved separately, but I have often observed that the race comes pure from the seed of the zygomorphic flowers.

From Species and Varieties, Their Origin by Mutation by Vries, Hugo de

When a flower can be divided by a single plane into two exactly similar parts; then it is said to be zygomorphic.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 5 "Fleury, Claude" to "Foraker" by Various