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Glite Dictionary
📐 A helper theorem 📖 A headword 🌾 A grass bract 🔤 A base form
lemma

lemma

9.9
A dry outer leaf that covers and protects a small grass flower
  • noun
  • /ˈlɛmə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : lemma (botánica)
  • The outer lemma and inner palea together protect the reproductive organs of the grass floret.

Examples

  • The outer lemma and inner palea together protect the reproductive organs of the grass floret.

  • In botany, a lemma protects the floret of grasses.

  • Botanists carefully removed the lemma to study the seed structure beneath.

  • Each spikelet consists of a pair of glumes at the base and a fertile lemma above.

  • The lemma is essential for understanding plant biology.

  • Botanists carefully removed the lemma to study the seed structure beneath.

  • Each spikelet consists of a pair of glumes at the base and a fertile lemma above.

Synonyms

flowering glume
vslemma
  • Specialized
9.9

The lower, thicker cover that protects a small grass flower

is the lower but broader bract rather than one defined by robustness
glume
vslemma
  • Specialized
9.9

A small dry covering at the base of a grass or cereal head that protects seeds

is the lower broader bract that encloses the floret not any base bract

Surface Forms

lemma singular
lemmas plural

Etymology

Lemma as a plant part was named by scientists from the same old Greek/Latin use for a small piece or cover; a helpful way to remember it is to think of it as a little 'leaf' or husk that protects the grass flower. So the botanical lemma is the lower protective bract that covers the floret.