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Glite Dictionary
actinomorphous

actinomorphous

9.9
Able to be cut into equal halves by any straight line through the center, like a daisy
  • adjective
  • /ˌæktɪnəˈmɔrfəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : actinomórfico
  • The daisy is an example of an actinomorphous flower, as it is radially symmetrical.

Examples

  • In botany, actinomorphous flowers can be divided into two equal halves by any plane through their center.

  • Unlike orchids, which are zygomorphic, a buttercup's actinomorphous blooms display symmetry from multiple angles.

  • The actinomorphous flower has a perfect radial symmetry.

  • Is the daisy actinomorphous?

  • In botany, actinomorphous flowers can be divided into two equal halves by any plane through their center.

  • The daisy is an example of an actinomorphous flower, as it is radially symmetrical.

  • Unlike orchids, which are zygomorphic, a buttercup's actinomorphous blooms display symmetry from multiple angles.

Synonyms

actinomorphic
vsactinomorphous
  • Specialized
9.9

A flower that can be divided into similar halves by any line through its center

is the alternative adjective form ending with -ous rather than -ic
actinoid
vsactinomorphous
  • Specialized
9.9

Having a star-shaped form like a starfish or many flowers

specifies exact radial symmetry dividing forms into matching longitudinal halves

Surface Forms

actinomorphous positive

Morphology

actinomorphous = actinomorph (opaque) = actino + morph + ous

The element 'actino-' and the technical base 'actinomorph' are specialized combining forms unfamiliar to average learners, so the meaning 'radially symmetrical' is not derivable from common English vocabulary.

Etymology

Actinomorphous comes from Greek parts actin- meaning 'ray' and -morphous meaning 'shape', so it means 'ray-shaped'. That's why an actinomorphous flower, like a daisy, looks the same from many directions and can be divided into equal halves by any line through its center.