astomatal

9.9

Having no small openings in leaves or stems that let air move in and out

adjective
/æˈstoʊmətl/

Specialized

: astomatal

Some mosses are astomatal throughout their life cycle, relying on passive diffusion for gas exchange.

Examples

In an astomatal leaf, gas exchange occurs directly through the epidermal layer.
The astomatal leaves of the plant are adapted to arid conditions.
The astomatal surface of certain aquatic plants limits water loss through evaporation.
Some species exhibit astomatal characteristics for survival.
In an astomatal leaf, gas exchange occurs directly through the epidermal layer.
Many desert plants have astomatal adaptations to reduce water loss.
The astomatal surface of specific mosses allows them to survive in dry environments.

Synonyms

astomatous

vsastomatal

Specialized

9.9

A living thing that has no mouthlike opening

applies to plant parts lacking stomata used for gas exchange

Antonyms

stomatal

Specialized

1 8.2

About small openings on leaves or stems that let air and water pass

Surface Forms

astomatal positive

Morphology

astomatal = stomatal (semi-transparent) = a + stoma + al

The meaning is directly derived as 'without stomata' from 'stomatal', but the scientific privative prefix 'a-' is not very familiar to general learners.

Etymology

Astomatal comes from the Greek parts a- meaning 'not' and stoma meaning 'mouth' or 'opening', so it literally means 'no opening'. Think of a leaf with no little 'mouths' on its surface, and that is why an astomatal plant or leaf has no natural openings for gas exchange.