monocotyledon

noun

mono·​cot·​y·​le·​don ˌmä-nə-ˌkä-tə-ˈlē-dᵊn How to pronounce monocotyledon (audio)
plural monocotyledons
: any of a class or subclass (Liliopsida or Monocotyledoneae) of chiefly herbaceous angiospermous plants having an embryo with a single cotyledon, usually parallel-veined leaves, and floral organs arranged in cycles of three

called also monocot

compare dicotyledon
monocotyledonous adjective

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from New Latin mon- + cotyledon cotyledon

First Known Use

circa 1727, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of monocotyledon was circa 1727

Dictionary Entries Near monocotyledon

Cite this Entry

“Monocotyledon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monocotyledon. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

monocotyledon

noun
mono·​cot·​y·​le·​don ˌmän-ə-ˌkät-ᵊl-ˈēd-ᵊn How to pronounce monocotyledon (audio)
: any of a group of flowering plants (as the palms and grasses) having an embryo with a single cotyledon and usually leaves with parallel veins and flower parts in groups of three compare dicotyledon
monocotyledonous adjective
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