calyxnoun [ C ]
uk/ˈkeɪ.lɪks/us/ˈkeɪ.lɪks/plural calyces uk/ˈkeɪ.lɪ.siːz/uscalyxes specializedthe outer part of a flower formed by the sepals (= the separate outer parts), which covers and protects the petals, etc. as they develop
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Parts of plants
- aerial root
- bud
- cambium
- cane
- clove
- corm
- cotyledon
- fig leaf
- frond
- lamina
- leafless
- meristem
- micropyle
- nectary
- organ
- rootstock
- testa
- the treetops
- trunk
- twig
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Examples from literature
- If we examine a blossom bud just before it opens we will see only the calyx.
- In the buttercup and mustard the calyx is divided into separate parts called sepals.
- The flowers usually have a calyx, and may have only stamens or carpels, or both.
- We call this cloak the calyx, because when it opens it looks like a cup, and the word calyx means cup.
- When the petals fall, the calyx is open and this is the time to spray.