Urceolate is a botanical term for describing the shape of a flower that is urn-shaped or pitcher-shaped. The word is pronounced /ˈɜːrsiəleɪt/ with four syllables in total. The first syllable "ur" is pronounced as "er" (like in "her") followed by the "see" sound in the second syllable. The third syllable "o" is pronounced like "uh" and the final syllable is pronounced as "layt." The word can be difficult to spell because of its unusual combination of letters and sounds, but it is an important term used to describe floral morphology.
Urceolate is an adjective used to describe a shape resembling that of a pitcher or urn. When something is urceolate, it means that it is shaped like a narrow-necked vessel with a rounded or bulging body that tapers towards the base. The term is commonly used in the field of botany and describes certain types of flowers, fruits, or other plant structures.
In botany, an urceolate flower refers to a flower that has a tube-like structure with a narrow opening and a larger, rounded base. The base of the flower typically holds the reproductive organs, while the narrow neck serves as a passage for pollinators to access the nectar or pollen. This shape is often associated with plants that rely on specific pollinators, such as long-tongued insects or birds.
Urceolate fruits share a similar shape, with a rounded or bulging body and a narrow neck near the stem attachment. Examples of urceolate fruits include certain types of berries or drupes.
The term urceolate also extends to other objects or structures outside of the botanical realm if they mimic the shape of an urn or pitcher. This can be seen in certain ornaments, vases, or even architectural features that possess a similar narrow-necked, bulging shape.
Urn-shaped; shaped like a pitcher.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word urceolate comes from the Latin word urceolus, which means a small jug or pitcher. The suffix -ate is added to the root word to form an adjective, giving it the meaning resembling or shaped like a small jug or pitcher.