PAPPUS Meaning and
Definition
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Pappus is a noun that has different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. In botany, pappus refers to a tuft or crown of fine, hair-like structures, often found on the top of the fruit or seed of plants belonging to the Asteraceae family. This specialized structure is considered as an adaptation for dispersal, aiding in the wind or animal-assisted transportation of the seeds. The pappus can be feathery, bristly, or hairy, providing a means of flight or attachment to organisms or air currents.
In zoology, pappus is used to define a proboscis-like structure found in some insects. It typically comprises elongated mouthparts or appendages that aid in feeding or courtship behaviors. The pappus may vary in size, shape, and function among different insect taxa.
Additionally, in ancient Greek mathematics, a pappus is a curve formed by the intersection of a cone with a plane that is parallel to one of the sides of the cone. This mathematical concept was first described by the mathematician Pappus of Alexandria, who contributed significantly to the field of geometry.
Overall, whether referring to the botanical, zoological, or mathematical sense, pappus refers to specific structures or geometrical patterns found in nature that have distinct purposes or mathematical relations.
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1. Down, the first hair on the chin, appearing in the young man at puberty. 2. In botany the down on a seed. 3. A tuft of hairs representing the calyx in some of the Compositoe.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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In bot., the coronate calyx limb of the florets of composite flowers, frequently hairy or downy, as in thistles.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PAPPUS
- oappus
- lappus
- 0appus
- pzppus
- psppus
- pwppus
- pqppus
- paopus
- palpus
- pa-pus
- pa0pus
- papous
- paplus
- pap-us
- pap0us
- pappys
- papphs
- pappjs
- pappis
- papplus
Etymology of PAPPUS
The word "pappus" has its roots in Greek. It comes from the Ancient Greek word "pappos" (πάππος), which means "grandfather" or "old man". In botanical terms, it specifically refers to the feathery or fluffy tuft of hairs or bristles that aids in the dispersal of seeds in certain plants. The term was coined due to its resemblance to the white hair commonly seen on the heads of older men, hence the association with the term for grandfather or old man.
Similar spelling words for PAPPUS
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