HORTUS SICCUS Meaning and
Definition
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Hortus siccus is a Latin term that translates to "dry garden" in English. This term refers to a method of preserving and arranging plant specimens for future study and reference. In essence, a hortus siccus is a collection of dried plants that have been carefully mounted on paper or cardboard, with labels describing their botanical details.
Traditionally, a hortus siccus was created by pressing fresh plant specimens between layers of absorbent paper or blotting sheets. The plant materials were then left to dry in a cool, well-ventilated area, resulting in desiccated specimens that could be stored for extended periods without decaying. This method of plant preservation dates back to ancient times and was commonly practiced by botanists, explorers, and naturalists.
The purpose of a hortus siccus is to serve as a reference for plant identification, classification, and study. Each specimen is typically labeled with the plant's scientific name, family, and additional information such as the location and date of collection. By studying a hortus siccus, researchers can examine the morphology, anatomy, and other distinguishing characteristics of various plant species, allowing for a deeper understanding of their taxonomy and biology.
With advancements in technology, the traditional practice of creating hortus siccus has been largely replaced by modern techniques such as pressing specimens between sheets of archival paper or using electronic means for digital preservation. However, the term hortus siccus still holds historical significance and remains a fundamental concept in the field of plant taxonomy and herbarium studies.
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A collection of specimens of plants dried and arranged; a herbarium.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HORTUS SICCUS
- gortus siccus
- bortus siccus
- nortus siccus
- jortus siccus
- uortus siccus
- yortus siccus
- hirtus siccus
- hkrtus siccus
- hlrtus siccus
- hprtus siccus
- h0rtus siccus
- h9rtus siccus
- hoetus siccus
- hodtus siccus
- hoftus siccus
- hottus siccus
- ho5tus siccus
- ho4tus siccus
- horrus siccus
Etymology of HORTUS SICCUS
The word "Hortus siccus" has Latin origins and its etymology can be broken down as follows:
- "Hortus" is a Latin noun meaning "garden" or "enclosed space for cultivation". It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*gʰórtos", which means "enclosure" or "fenced area".
- "Siccus" is a Latin adjective meaning "dry" or "arid".
When combined, "Hortus siccus" translates to "dry garden" or "dried garden". In the context of botany, it refers to a collection of dried plant specimens, typically used in reference to herbaria, where plants are preserved and cataloged for scientific study.
