MONADELPHOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Monadelphous is an adjective that is used primarily in the field of botany to describe a specific type of flower arrangement found in some plants. Derived from the Greek terms "mono," meaning single, and "adelphos," meaning brother, the term refers to the fusion or uniting of the filaments of a plant's stamens into a single column or tube. In other words, the filaments (long, slender stalks that support the anthers) of the stamens are joined or fused together for at least a portion of their length.
This unique characteristic can be observed in many plants, including some members of the legume family (such as peas and beans) and numerous species in the Malvaceae family (which includes hibiscus and mallow). Monadelphous flowers typically possess a distinctive appearance, with their stamens forming a column-like structure surrounding the style (the female reproductive organ). This fusion of filaments can occur at various heights along their length, leading to different degrees of fusion in different plants and species.
The monadelphous arrangement is considered an important characteristic for classifying and identifying certain types of plants. It is often mentioned in botanical descriptions and can provide insights into the evolutionary relationships between related species. Additionally, the monadelphous condition can have practical implications, as it affects the mechanics of pollination and reproductive strategies in plants.
Overall, monadelphous refers to the phenomenon where the filaments of a plant's stamens are fused together, forming a column-like structure. This characteristic is notable in the field of botany and can aid in defining and understanding specific plant species.
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Noting a flower in which the filaments of all the stamens are united in a single bundle.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Pert. to the monadelphia; having the stamens united into one bundle by union of their filaments.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MONADELPHOUS
- nonadelphous
- konadelphous
- jonadelphous
- minadelphous
- mknadelphous
- mlnadelphous
- mpnadelphous
- m0nadelphous
- m9nadelphous
- mobadelphous
- momadelphous
- mojadelphous
- mohadelphous
- monzdelphous
- monsdelphous
- monwdelphous
- monqdelphous
- monaselphous
- monaxelphous
- monacelphous
Etymology of MONADELPHOUS
The word "monadelphous" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "monos" meaning "single" or "alone", and "adelphos" meaning "brother".
In botany, the term "monadelphous" is used to describe a specific type of flower arrangement in which the stamens (male reproductive parts) are fused together by their filaments, forming a single unit. This term helps classify plants based on their stamen structure.
The word's etymology reflects this meaning, as it combines the idea of "mono" (single) and "adelphous" (brother), emphasizing the fused stamens as a single group or brotherhood.
