imparipinnate
/im,pæri'pinit/
Definition
Adjective (Botany): 1. Having a pinnate leaf structure with an odd number of leaflets, specifically with a single terminal leaflet at the apex. This describes a compound leaf where leaflets are arranged on opposite sides of a central stem (rachis), and the leaf ends with one solitary leaflet, making the total number of leaflets odd.
Usage and Examples
- As an adjective describing a leaf:
- The rose plant has imparipinnate leaves, typically with five to seven leaflets.
- Botanists noted the imparipinnate structure of the ash tree leaf.
- In technical descriptions:
- The species is characterized by imparipinnate, serrated foliage.
Advanced Usage
- In botanical keys and identification: The term is used as a key diagnostic characteristic to differentiate plant species or families. For example, "Leaves alternate, imparipinnate" helps narrow down a plant's identity.
- Contrast with 'paripinnate': A leaf that is paripinnate has an even number of leaflets, lacking a terminal leaflet, often ending in a pair.
Variants and Related Words
- Odd-pinnate: A more common, less technical synonym for imparipinnate.
- Pinnate (adj.): The broader category for leaves with leaflets arranged on either side of a rachis. Imparipinnate is a specific type of pinnate leaf.
- Leaflet (n.): Each of the individual leaflike units that make up a compound leaf.
- Rachis (n.): The central stem or axis of a compound leaf to which the leaflets are attached.
Synonyms
- Odd-pinnate
Antonyms
- Paripinnate
- Even-pinnate
Adjective
-
(a leaf shape) pinnate with a single leaflet at the apex
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