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gynophore

gynophore

9.9
A stalk that lifts the female part of a flower above its base
  • noun
  • /ˈɡɪnəˌfɔr/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ginóforo
  • The gynophore elevates the pistil in many flowering plants.

Examples

  • Certain species of Capparis have a long gynophore that separates the ovary from the base of the flower.

  • The scientist carefully measured the length of the gynophore in each sample.

  • Development of a gynophore is a distinguishing feature in some plant families.

  • In hibiscus, the gynophore is quite prominent.

  • Certain species of Capparis have a long gynophore that separates the ovary from the base of the flower.

  • Development of a gynophore is a distinguishing feature in some plant families.

  • The scientist carefully measured the length of the gynophore in each sample.

Surface Forms

gynophore singular
gynophores plural

Morphology

gynophore = gyno + phore

Composed of Greek scientific combining forms ('gyno-' and '-phore') that are not standalone English words and are unlikely to be understood by an average B1 learner from their parts.

Etymology

Gynophore comes from Greek parts gyno- meaning 'female', the same root as in gynecology, and -phore meaning 'bearer' or 'carrier'. So a gynophore is literally a 'female-bearer', a small stalk that carries the flower's female part, the pistil, up above the base of the flower.