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Glite Dictionary
epicuticular

epicuticular

9.9
On the outer layer of a plant or insect
  • adjective
  • /ˌɛpɪˈkjuːtɪkələr/
  • Specialized
translation icon : epicuticular
  • The presence of epicuticular wax on the leaves helps prevent water loss in plants.

Examples

  • Upper epidermis. Leaf surface structures, such as epicuticular waxes and epidermal hairs, have been reported to affect whole-leaf photosynthesis due to alterations in absorbed sunlight.

    Academic text (1997)

  • Insects often possess epicuticular layers that protect them from environmental hazards.

  • The study focused on the epicuticular characteristics of the plant's surface to understand its adaptation to dry climates.

Synonyms

epidermal
vsepicuticular
  • Specialized
7 6.3

Relating to the outer layer of skin or of a plant that protects it

is specific to the outermost cuticle layer of plants and insects
epidermic
vsepicuticular
  • Specialized
7.8

Relating to the outer layer of the skin

is focused on the cuticle outer layer mainly in plants and insects

How Outer

epicuticular
  • Specialized
9.9
cuticular
  • Specialized
9.9
subcuticular
  • Specialized
1 8.9
internal
338 3.5

Surface Forms

epicuticular positive

Morphology

epicuticular = epicuticle (semi-transparent) = epi + cuticul + epi + ar

Forming an adjective with '-ar' from the noun 'epicuticle' is a regular and predictable morphological process.

Etymology

Epicuticular breaks into epi- meaning 'on' and cuticle meaning 'skin' or 'outer layer'. So, epicuticular describes something that is on the very outer 'skin' or surface of a plant or insect.