How Do You Spell PERIGYNOUS?

Pronunciation: [pˌɛɹˈɪd͡ʒɪnəs] (IPA)

Perigynous (pɛrɪdʒɪnəs) is a botanical term used to describe flowers where the sepals, petals, and stamens are all attached to the edge of an enlarged ovary. The spelling of this word uses the prefix "peri" which means around or near, and the suffix "-gynous" which means relating to a female reproductive structure. The "i" in the prefix is pronounced as /ɪ/, and the "y" in the suffix is pronounced as /dʒ/. Together, the word is pronounced as /pɛrɪdʒɪnəs/.

PERIGYNOUS Meaning and Definition

1. Perigynous is an adjective used in botany to describe a particular arrangement of floral parts in a flower. The term derives from the Greek words "peri," meaning around, and "gynous," meaning female. In a perigynous flower, the sepals, petals, and stamens are all attached around or at the same level on the wall of the ovary, while the ovary itself is positioned superiorly, or above these other parts.

   This specific arrangement creates a floral structure where the sepals, petals, and stamens appear to arise from the upper part of the ovary tube or cup, forming a persistent floral tube known as the hypanthium. The ovary is typically unilocular, meaning it contains a single chamber, although it may be divided into several chambers in some species.

   Perigynous flowers can be found in various plant families, such as Rosaceae and Saxifragaceae. They are particularly common in the rose family (Rosaceae) and are often associated with plants that bear fleshy fruits. Examples of plants with perigynous flowers include roses, strawberries, and apples.

   Botanists consider the perigynous condition as an intermediate form between the hypogynous (superior ovary) and epigynous (inferior ovary) conditions. The arrangement of floral parts and the position of the ovary play crucial roles in plant pollination, determining which pollinators can reach and interact with the reproductive structures of a flower.

2. In botany noting a flower in which the torus is hollowed out in the form of a cup.

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

3. Growing on some part that surrounds the ovary in a flower -applied to the corolla and stamens when attached to the calyx.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PERIGYNOUS

• oerigynous
• lerigynous
• 0erigynous
• pwrigynous
• psrigynous
• pdrigynous
• prrigynous
• p4rigynous
• p3rigynous
• peeigynous
• pedigynous
• pefigynous
• petigynous
• pe5igynous
• pe4igynous
• perugynous
• perjgynous
• perkgynous
• perogynous
• per9gynous

Etymology of PERIGYNOUS

The word "perigynous" comes from the combination of two Greek roots: "peri-" meaning "around" or "near" and "gynous" meaning "female" or "woman".

In botanical terms, "perigynous" refers to a flower structure where the ovary is positioned below the attachment of floral parts (such as petals, sepals, and stamens), resulting in their attachment around the ovary. This arrangement places the ovary in a partially enclosed position.

The term was first used in the early 19th century to describe this specific floral structure, with its etymology reflecting the Greek roots that describe the arrangement and relationship of the flower parts.