Definition

Noun (Botany): A thin, strap-shaped outgrowth or appendage, particularly one found at the junction of a leaf blade and leaf sheath in certain plants, especially grasses and some members of the Aster family.

Usage

The term 'ligule' is a specialized botanical term. It is used to describe a specific plant structure. * It is most commonly a countable noun (e.g., a ligule, the ligules). * It is used in scientific descriptions, identification keys, and botanical texts.

Examples

• The presence or absence of a ligule is a key characteristic for identifying grass species.
• Botanists examined the ligule at the base of the leaf to classify the plant.
• In some grasses, the ligule is a membranous flap, while in others it is a fringe of hairs.

Advanced Usage

• Ligulate: (Adjective) Having or resembling a ligule. Often used to describe a type of floret in the Asteraceae (daisy) family that has a strap-shaped corolla.
  • The ray florets of the daisy are ligulate.

Variants and Related Words

• Ligulate: (Adjective) As described above.
• Ligular: (Adjective) Pertaining to or of the nature of a ligule.
• Liguliform: (Adjective) Shaped like a strap or ligule.

Synonyms

• Strap
• Appendage (in the specific botanical context)

Notes on Meaning

The primary and almost exclusive meaning of 'ligule' is the botanical one described above. It does not have common idiomatic or phrasal verb uses.

Noun

1. (botany) any appendage to a plant that is shaped like a strap