resupinate

resupinate

The orchid's flower is resupinate, with its lip positioned at the bottom.

Definition

Adjective (Botany) - Turned upside down: "resupinate" describes a plant part, especially a flower or leaf, that is inverted or twisted so that the lower surface appears to be the upper surface.

Usage Examples
  • (The flower is twisted 180 degrees from its normal orientation.)
  • (The leaf is inverted.)
Advanced Usage
  • "Resupinate ovary": an ovary that is turned upside down during development.
    • The resupinate ovary of the orchid gives the flower its characteristic appearance. (The ovary rotates during growth.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Resupination (noun): the process or state of being turned upside down.
    • Resupination occurs when the flower bud twists during development. (The twisting process.)
Synonyms
  • Inverted: turned upside down.
  • Reversed: placed in an opposite position.
Related Idioms
  • (No common idioms exist for "resupinate"; it is a technical botanical term.)