How Do You Spell DECURRENT?

Pronunciation: [dɪkˈʌɹənt] (IPA)

Decurrent is a botanical term used to describe certain leaves or fungi that extend down the stem. The spelling of the word is de- + -current, with emphasis on the second syllable. The initial "d" is pronounced as a voiced dental plosive, /d/, while the "e" is pronounced as a neutral schwa, /ə/. The second syllable "cur" is pronounced as a diphthong, /kʌr/, with the "r" pronounced as a retroflex approximate, and the final syllable "-rent" is pronounced as /rənt/ with the "r" also being pronounced as a retroflex approximate.

DECURRENT Meaning and Definition

1. Decurrent is an adjective that refers to something extending or running downward or backward. It is often used to describe certain structural features of plants or organisms. In botany, it specifically describes a characteristic where certain parts, such as leaves, bracts, or sepals, extend downward along the stem. These parts may appear to be extending outwards or downwards from the point of attachment.

   In the case of leaves, decurrent leaves are elongated and tapered, running along the stem for a certain distance. They may be attached at the base and continue along the stem for a while, creating an elongated, arrow-like shape. This feature gives plants a specific appearance and can be observed in various species.

   The term decurrent can also be used in other fields, such as mycology, to describe certain characteristics of fungi. For instance, it can refer to the downward extension of mushroom gills that run down the stalk, giving the gills a decurrent appearance.

   In general, when something is said to be decurrent, it means it extends in a downward or backward direction from the main point of attachment. This feature can be observed in various organisms and plays a significant role in their structure and function.

2. 1. Extending downward; centrifugal. 2. In botany, noting a leaf prolonged along the stem below its point of insertion, as in the thistle.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. Running or extending downwards; in bot., attached along the side of a stem below the point of insertion, as certain leaves.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for DECURRENT

• xecurrent
• cecurrent
• dwcurrent
• dscurrent
• ddcurrent
• drcurrent
• d4current
• d3current
• dexurrent
• devurrent
• defurrent
• dedurrent
• decyrrent
• dechrrent
• decjrrent
• decirrent
• dec8rrent
• dec7rrent
• decuerent

Etymology of DECURRENT

The word "decurrent" has Latin origins. It comes from the Latin verb "decurrere", which is a combination of "de-" (indicating a reversal or down from) and "currere" (meaning to run). The literal translation of "decurrere" is "to run down". From this base, the word "decurrent" was formed, and it is used to describe something that runs down along its length, typically referring to certain plant structures.

Idioms with the word DECURRENT

• decurrent