Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Capable of division into symmetrical halves by only one longitudinal plane passing through the axis: In botany, this term describes a flower or structure that is bilaterally symmetrical, meaning it can be divided into two mirror-image halves along only one specific vertical plane.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The orchid is a classic example of a zygomorphous flower.
  • Botanists classify the snapdragon as zygomorphous because its petals are arranged in a bilaterally symmetrical pattern.

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Descriptive Usage: The term is almost exclusively used in technical botanical contexts to describe floral morphology.
  • The zygomorphous corolla is a key identifying feature for many species in the Lamiaceae family.

Variants and Related Words

• Zygomorphic (adj): The more common variant form, identical in meaning to 'zygomorphous'.

  • Botanical texts often use the term "zygomorphic" to describe bilaterally symmetrical flowers.

• Zygomorphy (n): The state or condition of being zygomorphic.

  • The zygomorphy of the flower aids in specialized pollination.

Synonyms

• Bilaterally symmetrical: Having symmetry such that only one plane can divide the structure into mirror-image halves.
• Irregular (in a specific botanical sense): In floral descriptions, this can be a synonym, contrasting with "actinomorphic" (radially symmetrical).

Antonyms

• Actinomorphic (adj): Radially symmetrical; capable of being divided into symmetrical halves by multiple longitudinal planes passing through the axis.
  • A daisy is actinomorphic, while a pea flower is zygomorphous.

Adjective

1. capable of division into symmetrical halves by only one longitudinal plane passing through the axis