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

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

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

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