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Glite Dictionary
petiolule

petiolule

9.9
A small stalk that joins a leaflet to a compound leaf
  • noun
  • /ˈpɛtiˌoʊˌluːl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : peciolo secundario
  • The petiolule connects each leaflet to the main rachis of a compound leaf.

Examples

  • The petiolule connects the leaflet to the stem.

  • Botanists measured the length of each petiolule to study leaf development.

  • If a petiolule is damaged, the corresponding leaflet may wither and die.

  • Each petiolule plays a vital role in leaf structure.

  • Botanists measured the length of each petiolule to study leaf development.

  • If a petiolule is damaged, the corresponding leaflet may wither and die.

  • The petiolule connects each leaflet to the main rachis of a compound leaf.

Surface Forms

petiolule singular
petiolules plural

Morphology

petiolule = petiole (transparent) = petiole + ule

Formed by adding the diminutive suffix '-ule' to 'petiole', yielding 'small petiole' (a small stalk attaching a leaflet), so the meaning follows directly from the base and suffix.

Etymology

Petiolule comes from petiole ('leaf stalk') plus the small ending -ule meaning 'small'. So it literally means a 'small leaf stalk', which explains why it names the tiny stalk that joins a leaflet to the main stem.