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Glite Dictionary
caryopsis

caryopsis

9.9
A dry grain from grasses whose seed skin is stuck to the outer shell, like wheat or corn
  • noun
  • /ˌkɛrɪˈɒpɪsɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : cariopsis
  • Farmers harvest caryopses from wheat fields to make flour.

Examples

  • The caryopsis of the corn plant contains the seed fused tightly with the outer layer.

  • Maize produces a large number of caryopses each season.

  • Barley stores nutrients in its caryopsis for the developing seedling.

  • Each kernel of corn is actually a caryopsis, unique to grasses.

  • The wheat caryopsis is the primary source of flour worldwide.

  • The caryopsis of wheat is essential for making flour.

  • In biology class, we learned that a caryopsis is unique because the seed coat is attached to the fruit wall.

Synonyms

grain
vscaryopsis
203 1.0

An edible seed from plants like wheat or rice used as food

is the technical botanical fruit term where seed coat fuses with fruit wall

Surface Forms

caryopsis singular
caryopses plural

Etymology

The word caryopsis comes from the Greek parts karyon ('nut' or 'kernel') and opsis ('appearance'), so it means 'nut-like' in look. That's why a caryopsis is the single grain of grasses like wheat, barley, or corn, where the seed looks like one kernel because its seed coat is joined to the fruit wall.