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Glite Dictionary
appendicle

appendicle

9.9
A small growth that sticks out from a plant or animal body
  • noun
  • /əˈpɛndɪkəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : apéndice
  • The insect's antennae are each tipped with a tiny appendicle that aids in sensing the environment.

Examples

  • Some plants develop a small appendicle at the base of each petal.

  • The researchers noted the presence of an unusual appendicle extending from the organism's shell.

  • The appendicle of the plant helps in nutrient absorption.

  • She studied the appendicles of various marine species.

  • Some plants develop a small appendicle at the base of each petal.

  • The insect's antennae are each tipped with a tiny appendicle that aids in sensing the environment.

  • The researchers noted the presence of an unusual appendicle extending from the organism's shell.

Synonyms

appendage
vsappendicle
26 6.2

A part attached to something larger, like a limb on an animal or a small group added to an organization

is a small outgrowth often mentioned in biological or anatomical contexts
enation
vsappendicle
  • Specialized
9.9

A small natural growth on a plant surface like a tiny leaf

is broader and not limited to plant surface projections
stipule
vsappendicle
  • Specialized
9.9

A small leaf-like part at the base of a leaf stem on some plants that falls off early

is more general and not restricted to paired leaflike parts at leaf bases

Antonyms

core
468 3.2

The most important central part of something

body
358 3.4

The main part of a thing, not its attachments

How Big

limb
210 1.0
appendage
26 6.2
appendicle
  • Specialized
9.9
nodule
6 7.0

Surface Forms

appendicle singular
appendicles plural

Morphology

appendicle = append (semi-transparent) = append + icle

The sense 'small appendage' follows from 'append' plus the diminutive '-icle', but the suffix '-icle' is relatively rare and the exact diminutive nuance may not be immediately clear to learners.

Etymology

The word appendicle is like the word appendix and the verb append; the root append- means 'to hang on' and the ending -icle means 'small'. So an appendicle is a little part that 'hangs on' or is attached, which is why it means a small outgrowth or appendage.