calyces

The botanist carefully examines the calyces of the flower.

Definition

1. Noun (plural of ):
   • Botany: In plants, "calyces" are the plural form of calyx, which refers to the sepals of a flower, typically forming a protective layer around the developing bud. The calyx is usually green and consists of individual leaf-like structures called sepals.
   • Anatomy: In human or animal anatomy, "calyces" (also spelled calices) refer to cup-shaped structures or cavities, especially in the kidney. The renal calyces are chambers through which urine passes from the renal pyramids to the renal pelvis.

Usage Examples

• Botany:

  • The calyces of the rose are green and protect the petals before they bloom. (The sepals of the flower form a protective covering.)
  • After pollination, the calyces often wither and fall off. (The sepals dry up and detach.)

• Anatomy:

  • The renal calyces collect urine from the kidney's nephrons. (The cup-shaped cavities in the kidney gather urine.)
  • A kidney stone can form in one of the calyces, causing pain. (A hard deposit develops in a kidney chamber.)

Advanced Usage

• "Calyces of the flower": a specific botanical reference to the entire whorl of sepals.

  • The calyces of the tulip are fused together, forming a single structure. (The sepals are joined as one unit.)

• "Renal calyces": a precise anatomical term for the kidney's urine-collecting system.

  • The minor calyces merge to form major calyces, which then drain into the renal pelvis. (Smaller chambers combine into larger ones before reaching the central basin.)

Variants and Related Words

• Calyx (n, singular): the singular form of "calyces."

  • The calyx of this flower is bright red. (The sepal structure is colored.)

• Calycine (adj): relating to or resembling a calyx.

  • The calycine leaves are small and green. (The leaf-like sepals are tiny.)

• Calyceal (adj): pertaining to a calyx, especially in anatomy.

  • Calyceal stones are kidney stones located in the renal calyces. (Stones in the kidney chambers.)

Synonyms

• Sepals: the individual parts of a plant's calyx.

  • The sepals form the calyx. (The leaf-like structures make up the protective layer.)

• Cup: a general term for a hollow, bowl-like shape, similar to a calyx in anatomy.

  • The renal cup collects urine. (A simple word for the kidney cavity.)

Related Idioms

• "In the calyx of the flower": a poetic phrase referring to the innermost protective part.

  • The dew lay in the calyx of the flower. (Droplets rested inside the sepals.)

• "Calyx of the kidney": a technical idiom used in medical contexts.

  • The surgeon examined the calyces for blockages. (The doctor checked the kidney chambers.)