coleorhiza

noun

co·​le·​o·​rhi·​za ˌkō-lē-ə-ˈrī-zə How to pronounce coleorhiza (audio)
plural coleorhizae ˌkō-lē-ə-ˈrī-(ˌ)zē How to pronounce coleorhiza (audio)
: the sheath investing the radicle in some monocotyledonous plants through which the roots emerge

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek koleon + New Latin -rhiza

First Known Use

circa 1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of coleorhiza was circa 1866

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Cite this Entry

“Coleorhiza.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coleorhiza. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

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