filament
- noun
- /ˈfɪləmənt/
- Specialized
- The filament is the part of the stamen that holds the anther, allowing for effective pollen transfer.
Examples
-
In many flowers, the filament extends from the base of the flower to support the pollen-bearing anther.
-
The bright red filament of the lily flower sways gently in the breeze, showcasing its vibrant anthers.
-
There were four fragile filaments, arching up, expectant.
Fiction book (1996) -
New organs, such as the colorful filaments between the stamens and petals of a passionflower, can arise between whorls.
Academic text (2006) -
Mussels, for example, use strong filaments to anchor themselves, often entangling the crab's legs and thereby greatly impairing its movement.
Academic text (2002)
Synonyms
The long thin main stem that supports a plant's flower or leaf
A long thin thread of tissue in animals or plants
How Thin
- Specialized
Surface Forms
Etymology
Filament comes from the Latin filum, which means 'thread'. In a flower the filament is like a tiny thread that holds the part with pollen, so the origin explains its thin, stalk-like role.