How Do You Spell VERTICILLATE?

Pronunciation: [vˈɜːtɪsˌɪle͡ɪt] (IPA)

Verticillate is a botanical term used to describe an arrangement of leaves or flowers that grow in a circle around a stem. The spelling of verticillate is pronounced as /vərˈtɪsɪleɪt/. Its phonetic transcription indicates that it is a five-syllable word with the primary stress on the second syllable. The word is derived from the Latin word verticillum, which means a whirl or vortex, and -ate, which is a suffix meaning possessing a certain quality or characteristic.

VERTICILLATE Meaning and Definition

1. Verticillate is an adjective that describes a specific arrangement of leaves, bracts, or other structures around an axis or stem of a plant. It refers to a botanical term denoting the arrangement of these structures in a whorled or spiral pattern around a central axis or node.

   The word "verticillate" originates from the Latin word "verticillus," meaning "a little whirl," which perfectly captures the arrangement it describes. In a verticillate arrangement, the leaves or other structures are positioned in a circular or helical manner around the stem, giving the appearance of a whirl or spiral.

   This arrangement is commonly seen in plants, such as the mint family (Lamiaceae) or the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). In a verticillate arrangement, several leaves or structures arise from the same point or node on a stem, typically forming a circle or a spiral-like pattern. Each whorl may consist of multiple leaves, bracts, or flowers, depending on the species.

   The verticillate arrangement is an efficient adaptation for plants, allowing them to maximize the use of sunlight and space. By having leaves or structures in a spiral pattern, each one can be exposed to sunlight, preventing overlapping and shadowing. This arrangement also helps to distribute resources and reduce competition between different parts of the plant.

   In conclusion, "verticillate" is a botanical term that describes the arrangement of leaves, bracts, or other structures in a circular or spiral pattern around a stem or axis, allowing plants to efficiently utilize space and resources.

2. Whorled, disposed in the form of a verticil.

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

3. Having parts arranged in a whorl, or like the rays of a wheel.

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

Common Misspellings for VERTICILLATE

• certicillate
• berticillate
• gerticillate
• ferticillate
• vwrticillate
• vsrticillate
• vdrticillate
• vrrticillate
• v4rticillate
• v3rticillate
• veeticillate
• vedticillate
• vefticillate
• vetticillate
• ve5ticillate
• ve4ticillate
• verricillate
• verficillate
• vergicillate

Etymology of VERTICILLATE

The word "verticillate" is derived from the Latin word "verticillus", which means a small whirl or a whorl. It is formed from "vertex", meaning whirl or summit, and the suffix "-illus", denoting diminutiveness. Thus, "verticillus" refers to a little whirl or a small whorl. From "verticillus", the English word "verticillate" was coined, retaining the same meaning of having whorls or arranged in a whorl-like pattern.

Similar spelling words for VERTICILLATE

• vertical flute,
• vertical angle,
• vertical fin,
• vertically,
• verticalness,
• vorticella,
• verticillated,
• verticillium,
• verticality,
• vertical file,
• verticilliosis.