phyllode
9.9
A flat leaf stalk that looks and works like a leaf
- noun
- /ˈfɪloʊd/
- Specialized
:
filodio
- For example, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in women in the UK, but basal type breast cancer and cytosarcoma phyllodes are just two of several unusual 'special types' of breast cancer requiring a different treatment approach to the more common breast cancers.
Examples
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The phyllode of the Acacia tree resembles a leaf and helps the plant photosynthesize.
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In some species, the phyllode takes on a flattened shape to better capture sunlight.
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The unique structure of the phyllode allows it to function like a leaf in arid environments.
How Leaf-Like
Surface Forms
Morphology
phyllode = phyll + ode
Built from the Greek combining form 'phyll-' (leaf) + the suffix '-ode' (‑like), but these are not productive standalone English morphemes, so an average B1 learner cannot reliably infer the meaning from the parts.
Etymology
Phyllode comes from the Greek root phyll- meaning 'leaf' and the ending -ode meaning 'like' or 'in the shape of', and you can see phyll- in chlorophyll. So a phyllode is a leaf-like stalk that looks and works like a leaf.