cladode
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A flattened stem that resembles and functions as a leaf: In botany, a cladode is a modified stem that takes on the appearance and photosynthetic role of a leaf. True leaves may be reduced to scales or spines.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The cactus has many green cladodes that perform photosynthesis.
- In the genus Asparagus, the fine, needle-like structures are actually cladodes.
Advanced Usage
- Botanical Context: The term is used specifically in plant morphology to describe a type of stem modification, often seen in plants adapted to arid environments.
- The plant's adaptation is evident in its cladodes, which minimize water loss.
Variants and Related Words
- Cladophyll (n): Another term for cladode, meaning a leaf-like stem.
- Botanists may use the term cladophyll interchangeably with cladode.
- Phylloclade (n): A broader term for a flattened, leaf-like stem or branch, of which a cladode is a type.
- A phylloclade may consist of one or several internodes, while a cladode is typically a single internode.
Synonyms
- Phylloclade: A stem that assumes the form and function of a leaf.
- Cladophyll: A leaf-like branch or stem.
Related Phrases
- To bear cladodes: To have or produce cladodes.
- The plant bears cladodes instead of true leaves.
Related Idioms
Noun
- a flattened stem resembling and functioning as a leaf