Skip to main content
filament

filament

1 7.0
A thin stalk in a flower that holds the part that has pollen
  • noun
  • /ˈfɪləmənt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : filamento
  • 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

stalk
vsfilament
35 1.8

The long thin main stem that supports a plant's flower or leaf

is a slender part of the male flower organ that holds the pollen sac
filum
vsfilament
  • Specialized
9.9

A long thin thread of tissue in animals or plants

is the narrow floral support specifically holding the pollen producing sac

How Thin

filament
  • Specialized
1 7.0
stalk
35 1.8

Surface Forms

filament singular
filaments plural

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.