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Glite Dictionary
abaxially

abaxially

9.9
On the side of a plant part that faces away from the stem, often the underside of a leaf
  • adverb
  • /əˈbækʃəli/
  • Specialized
translation icon : abaxialmente
  • The stomata are found abaxially on the lower surface of the leaf.

Examples

  • The petals are often pubescent abaxially but smooth on the upper side.

  • The plant's bracts are purple abaxially and green adaxially.

  • The leaf grows abaxially to maximize sunlight exposure.

  • Plants often develop abaxially to protect their upper surfaces.

  • The stomata are found abaxially on the lower surface of the leaf.

  • The petals are often pubescent abaxially but smooth on the upper side.

  • The plant's bracts are purple abaxially and green adaxially.

Antonyms

adaxially
  • Specialized
9.9

Toward the main stem or center line of a plant

Surface Forms

abaxially positive

Morphology

abaxially = abaxial (semi-transparent) = ab + axial + ly

Standard formation of an adverb by adding '-ly' to the adjective 'abaxial'.

Etymology

The word abaxially comes from the parts ab- meaning 'away from' and axis meaning 'central line'. So, abaxially describes something 'on the side away from the axis', like the underside of a leaf.