a ring of fine feathery hairs surrounding the fruit in composite plants, such as the thistle; aids dispersal of the fruits by the wind
Derived forms
pappose (ˈpappose) or pappous (ˈpappous)
adjective
Word origin
C18: via New Latin, from Greek pappos grandfather, old man, old man's beard, hence: pappus, down
pappus in American English
(ˈpæpəs)
nounWord forms: pluralˈpapˌpi (ˈpæpˌaɪ)
Botany
a group or tuft of prongs, bristles, scales, or simple or branched hairs, as on the achenes of the dandelion, forming the modified calyx of the composite and certain other families and serving in the dispersal of the fruit
Derived forms
pappose (ˈpapˌpose) (ˈpæpˌoʊs)
adjective or ˈpappous (ˈpæpəs)
Word origin
ModL < L < Gr pappos, old man, grandfather (see papa), hence substance resembling gray hairs