PEDATIFID Meaning and
Definition
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Pedatifid is an adjective used to describe a specific type of botanical leaf shape. It refers to a compound leaf that is divided into several lobes or segments, resembling the shape of a bird's foot. The term derives from the Latin word "pes," meaning foot, and "digitus," meaning finger.
Characterized by a central midrib, pedatifid leaves have multiple divisions or lobes that originate from either side of the midrib, extending outward. Each lobe is incised or dissected, creating a feathery appearance akin to the spread toes of a bird's foot. The lobes are typically long and narrow, tapering to a point, giving the leaf an overall symmetrical and fan-shaped structure.
Pedatifid leaves can be found in various botanical families, such as the Fabaceae (legume family), Geraniaceae (geranium family), or Apiaceae (parsley family). They are commonly observed in ferns, where the leaf is held by a rhachis, a black stalk that appears to divide the leaf into different segments.
This leaf morphology often serves as a distinctive feature for the identification of plant species. Pedatifid leaves provide increased surface area and are advantageous for efficient photosynthesis and transpiration, allowing plants to thrive in a wide array of environments. Overall, the pedatifid leaf shape is visually striking and contributes to the diverse beauty and intricacy of the plant kingdom.
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In bot., applied to a leaf whose parts are not entirely separate, but divided as a pedate one; irregularly lobed, said of a leaf.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PEDATIFID
- oedatifid
- ledatifid
- -edatifid
- 0edatifid
- pwdatifid
- psdatifid
- pddatifid
- prdatifid
- p4datifid
- p3datifid
- pesatifid
- pexatifid
- pecatifid
- pefatifid
- peratifid
- peeatifid
- pedztifid
- pedstifid
- pedwtifid
- pedqtifid
Etymology of PEDATIFID
The word "pedatifid" consists of two components: "peda-" and "-tifid".
The prefix "peda-" is derived from the Latin word "pēs", which means "foot". In English, it is often used to indicate a resemblance to or association with a foot or feet.
The suffix "-tifid" originates from the Latin word "tīfidus", which means "cleft". It is used to describe something that is divided or split into two parts.
Therefore, the etymology of "pedatifid" can be understood as a combination of "peda-" (related to a foot) and "-tifid" (cleft or divided). Together, these components suggest something that is divided or split like a foot, often used to describe leaves or other plant structures that have lobes or segments resembling the shape of a foot.
