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cauline

cauline

9.9
Growing on the stem of a plant
  • adjective
  • /ˈkɔːlɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : caulinar
  • Unlike basal leaves, cauline leaves appear higher up on the stem.

Examples

  • The cauline leaves of the sunflower are arranged alternately along the stem.

  • Botanists classify these species as cauline because of their prominent, upright stems.

  • The cauline leaves are essential.

  • The cauline structure is important.

  • The cauline leaves of the sunflower are arranged alternately along the stem.

  • Unlike basal leaves, cauline leaves appear higher up on the stem.

  • Botanists classify these species as cauline because of their prominent, upright stems.

Antonyms

radical
  • Specialized
6 8.1

Leaves that grow at the base of a plant near the root

Surface Forms

cauline positive

Morphology

cauline = caul + ine

A technical botanical adjective formed from the Latin combining form caul-/cauli- + suffix -ine; the root is not a productive standalone English word, so the meaning is not transparently derivable by an average B1 learner.

Etymology

The word cauline comes from the Latin root caulis, which means 'stem' or 'stalk' and even appears in cauliflower. So cauline describes something growing on or relating to the plant's 'stem'.