The term "pedicellate" refers to a structure that has a pedicel, or a small stalk that attaches it to a larger structure. The spelling of "pedicellate" can be explained through the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /pɛdɪˈsɛlɪt/ - the first syllable is pronounced like "pedi" with a short "e" sound, and the second syllable has a stressed "e" sound. The final syllable is pronounced with a soft "t" sound. This term is commonly used in biology to describe certain plant structures or in zoology to describe certain types of animals with stalked appendages.
Pedicellate is an adjective that is used to describe something that has a pedicel or pedicel-like structure. A pedicel, in turn, refers to the small stalk or stem that supports a single flower or fruit in a cluster or inflorescence. The word "pedicellate" is commonly used to describe plants, specifically their flowers or fruits, that are arranged in a pedicellate manner.
In botanical terms, pedicellate flowers are those that arise from separate pedicels, each having its own stalk. These flowers are not directly attached to the main stem or branch of the plant but are supported individually by their own small stems or pedicels. Similarly, pedicellate fruits are the ones that develop on separate pedicels, allowing them to hang individually in a cluster.
The term "pedicellate" can also be used in a more general sense to describe other objects or organisms that have a pedicel-like structure. It may be used to describe certain animal body parts, such as pedicellate antennae or pedicellate appendages. In such cases, the adjective is used to indicate a distinct and separate structure that is supported by a narrower connecting stalk or joint.
Overall, "pedicellate" is a word that serves to describe the presence of a pedicel or pedicel-like structure in plants, flowers, fruits, and other organisms.
Supported by a pedicle.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "pedicellate" is derived from the Latin word "pedicellus", which means "little foot" or "footstalk". In this context, "pedicellate" refers to having a stalk or foot-like structure, often used to describe certain plants or plant parts with short stalks.