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Glite Dictionary
acrocarpous

acrocarpous

9.9
A moss that has the spore-producing parts at the top of its stem
  • adjective
  • /ˌækrəˈkɑrpəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : acrocarpo
  • Many upright mosses are described as acrocarpous because their capsules form at the top of the main stem.

Examples

  • The acrocarpous growth habit is an essential feature used to identify certain moss species.

  • The acrocarpous mosses thrive in dry environments.

  • Only acrocarpous mosses were found on the rocky outcrops during the survey.

  • Is this species of moss acrocarpous?

  • Many upright mosses are described as acrocarpous because their capsules form at the top of the main stem.

  • Only acrocarpous mosses were found on the rocky outcrops during the survey.

  • The acrocarpous growth habit is an essential feature used to identify certain moss species.

Antonyms

pleurocarpous
  • Specialized
9.9

Having female parts on short side branches instead of the main stem tip

Compounds

acrocarpous moss
  • Specialized
9.9

A moss that grows upright with its spore case at the top of the main stem

Surface Forms

acrocarpous positive

Morphology

acrocarpous = acro + carp + ous

The word is built from specialized Greek combining forms (acro- 'top' + carp- 'fruit/reproductive organ' + -ous) that are technical and not transparent to an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Acrocarpous comes from Greek parts acro- meaning 'top', as in the word acrobat, and -carpous from karpos meaning 'fruit' or 'seed'. So, acrocarpous mosses have their reproductive 'fruiting' parts at the top of the stem.