Definition of epigeal in English:
epigeal
adjective ˌɛpɪˈdʒiːəlˌɛpəˈdʒiəl
Botany 1Growing on or close to the ground.
Compare with hypogeal
Example sentencesExamples
- The germination of seeds is epigeal.
- Following germination, initial growth of both the root and hypocotyl of epigeal seedlings is downwards, arguably as an adaptation to maintain contact with soil moisture in the surface layers of the soil which dry rapidly.
- 1.1 (of seed germination) with one or more seed leaves appearing above the ground.
Origin
Mid 19th century: from Greek epigeios (from epi 'upon' + gē 'earth') + -al.
Definition of epigeal in US English:
epigeal
adjectiveˌepəˈjēəlˌɛpəˈdʒiəl
Botany 1Growing on or close to the ground.
Compare with hypogeal
Example sentencesExamples
- The germination of seeds is epigeal.
- Following germination, initial growth of both the root and hypocotyl of epigeal seedlings is downwards, arguably as an adaptation to maintain contact with soil moisture in the surface layers of the soil which dry rapidly.
- 1.1 (of seed germination) with one or more seed leaves appearing above the ground.
Origin
Mid 19th century: from Greek epigeios (from epi ‘upon’ + gē ‘earth’) + -al.