rhynia

noun

rhy·​nia
ˈrīnēə
1
capitalized : a genus (the type of the family Rhyniaceae) of small leafless dichotomously branching fossil plants with terminal sporangia, a primitive stele, and smooth branching rhizomes compare horneophyton
2
plural -s : any plant or fossil of Rhynia or a closely related genus

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Rhynie, Scotland, where the fossil plant was discovered + -ia

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Cite this Entry

“Rhynia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rhynia. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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