How Do You Spell IDIOBLAST?

Pronunciation: [ˈɪdɪˌɒblast] (IPA)

Idioblast is a botanical term used to refer to a specialized plant cell that has a distinct function. The pronunciation of this word can be divided into three syllables: i-di-o-blast. Each syllable is pronounced as follows: ˈɪdɪo, ˌblæst. The first syllable "i" is pronounced as "ih", second syllable "di" is pronounced as "dee" and the third syllable "o-blast" is pronounced as "bo-last." The spelling of the word utilizes the prefix "idio," which means "peculiar or distinct" and "blast," meaning "a developing cell or organism."

IDIOBLAST Meaning and Definition

1. Idioblast: noun

   An idioblast is a specialized cell found in plants that is distinct from the surrounding cells in terms of size, shape, or content. It typically occurs in various plant tissues and serves various functions depending on the type of idioblast.

   Idioblasts can be classified into different categories based on their content. For instance, crystal idioblasts contain crystals of various shapes and sizes, while oil idioblasts contain oils or resinous substances. Other types of idioblasts may be filled with pigments, tannins, mucilage, or even toxic substances, depending on the plant species.

   Although idioblasts are generally found within plant tissues, they can also occur in plant organs such as leaves, stems, roots, and fruits. Their presence and distribution within a plant can be species-specific or vary depending on the developmental stage or environmental conditions.

   The function of idioblasts can vary greatly. Crystal idioblasts, for example, may provide physical defense against herbivores by injuring their mouthparts or digestive systems, while oil idioblasts may aid in storing essential oils for aromatic purposes or in the production of resins.

   In summary, idioblasts are specialized plant cells that differ from surrounding cells in terms of their structure or contents. They play a role in various plant functions, including defense, storage, pigmentation, or secretion, and their specific characteristics and functions can vary between plant species.

2. 1. One of the ultimate elements of the idioplasm formed of atom-groups or molecule-groups. 2. One of the cells in a plant which differ from the surrounding parenchyma and which contain pigment, oil, gum, or other special product.

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

Common Misspellings for IDIOBLAST

• udioblast
• jdioblast
• kdioblast
• odioblast
• 9dioblast
• 8dioblast
• isioblast
• ixioblast
• icioblast
• ifioblast
• irioblast
• ieioblast
• iduoblast
• idjoblast
• idkoblast
• idooblast
• id9oblast
• id8oblast
• idiiblast

Etymology of IDIOBLAST

The word "idioblast" has its roots in Greek. It is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "idios" meaning "own" or "distinct" and "blastos" meaning "bud" or "sprout". The term was first coined by Friedrich Anton Wilhelm Miquel, a Dutch botanist, in the mid-19th century to describe unique cells found in plant tissues that are distinct from neighboring cells in terms of size, content, or function. These cells are commonly found in various plant organs such as leaves, stems, and roots.

Plural form of IDIOBLAST is IDIOBLASTS