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carpophore

carpophore

9.9
A thin stalk that supports a part of a fruit in some plants
  • noun
  • /ˈkɑːr.pəˌfɔːr/
  • Specialized
: carpóforo
  • Without a well-developed carpophore, the fruit may not disperse properly.

Examples

  • The carpophore is visible between the two seed halves of the plant.

  • Botanists examined the carpophore to identify the species of the herbarium specimen.

  • The carpophore is essential for fruit maturation.

  • Have you seen the carpophore on that plant?

  • The carpophore supports the fruit segment, allowing for effective seed dispersal.

  • The carpophore is crucial in the growth of many flowering plants, serving as the main axis for the fruit.

  • During the study, researchers focused on the carpophore, as it plays a vital role in plant reproduction.

Surface Forms

carpophore singular
carpophores plural

Morphology

carpophore = carpo + phore

Built from specialized Greek combining forms 'carpo-' and '-phore' that are not standalone English words, so learners cannot reliably derive the meaning from familiar base words.

Etymology

Carpophore comes from Greek parts carpo- meaning 'fruit' and -phore meaning 'to carry'. So a carpophore is the small stalk that 'carries' or supports a fruit or fruit segment on a plant.