sieve tube

noun

: a tube consisting of an end-to-end series of thin-walled living plant cells characteristic of the phloem and held to function chiefly in translocation of organic solutes

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sieve tube was in 1875

Dictionary Entries Near sieve tube

Cite this Entry

“Sieve tube.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sieve%20tube. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

sieve tube

noun
: a tube that is composed of an end-to-end series of thin-walled living cells, transports food substances in plants, and is found in the phloem

More from Merriam-Webster on sieve tube

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!