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phytomer

phytomer

1 9.9
A repeating part of a plant with a stem section, leaves, and buds
  • noun
  • /ˈfaɪtəˌmɜr/
  • Specialized
: fitómero
  • Each phytomer in the grass stem consists of a node, internode, and leaf.

Examples

  • The arrangement of phytomers affects the overall shape and function of the plant.

  • Botanists study how phytomers develop to understand plant growth patterns.

  • Each phytomer plays a crucial role in the plant's growth.

  • The phytomers of this species are particularly well-developed.

  • Each phytomer in the grass stem consists of a node, internode, and leaf.

  • Botanists study how phytomers develop to understand plant growth patterns.

  • The arrangement of phytomers affects the overall shape and function of the plant.

Surface Forms

phytomer singular
phytomers plural

Morphology

phytomer = phyto + mer

Formed from technical Greek combining forms ('phyto-' = plant, '-mer' = part) that are not standalone English words, so the internal structure is not obvious to an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Phytomer comes from Greek parts phyto- meaning 'plant' and -mer meaning 'part', the same -mer you see in polymer and monomer. So a phytomer is a 'plant part' that repeats along a stem, each unit usually including a leaf, a bud, and a short piece of stem.