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anatropous

anatropous

9.9
An ovule turned completely upside down on its stalk so its opening is near the base
  • adjective
  • /ˌænəˈtroʊpəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : anatropo
  • Botanists distinguish anatropous from orthotropous ovules based on orientation.

Examples

  • In many flowering plants, the ovules are anatropous.

  • The anatropous ovule is crucial for proper seed development.

  • The anatropous ovule is the most common type found in flowering plants.

  • Under the microscope, the anatropous structure is evident in this species' reproductive system.

  • The anatropous ovule is the most common type found in flowering plants.

  • Under the microscope, the anatropous structure is evident in this species' reproductive system.

  • In many flowering plants, the ovules are anatropous.

Synonyms

inverted
vsanatropous
4.8

Placed or turned so the top and bottom are swapped

is a botanical case of a 180 degree turn with micropyle near stalk

Compounds

anatropous ovule
  • Specialized
9.9

A seed part in a flower turned completely upside down so its tiny opening faces the part that holds it

Surface Forms

anatropous positive

Morphology

anatropous = ana + trop + ous

Formed from Greek combining elements (ana- ‘back’ + trop- ‘turn’ + -ous) that are not productive or familiar to average learners and yield a specialized botanical meaning that is not directly guessable.

Etymology

Anatropous comes from Greek parts ana- 'back' and trop- 'turn'. It literally means 'turned back', so imagine an ovule flipped 180 degrees on its stalk with its opening lying close to the stalk.