Calceolate

/kælˈsiːoʊleɪt/ adjective

Definition

Shaped like a slipper or small shoe; having a pouch-like or slipper-shaped form.

Etymology

From Latin 'calceolatus,' derived from 'calceolus' (small shoe), which comes from 'calceus' (shoe). The '-ate' suffix indicates possession of the described shape.

Kelly Says

When a botanist says a flower is 'calceolate,' they're using a 2,000-year-old poetic description of nature—it's literally saying the flower wears a tiny Roman sandal!

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