Carpellum

/kɑːrˈpɛləm/ noun

Definition

In botany, a carpel; the female reproductive part of a flower, which develops into the fruit after fertilization.

Etymology

From Latin carpellum, derived from Greek karpos meaning 'fruit.' This Latinate singular form is the technical botanical term, though 'carpel' is now more common in English.

Kelly Says

The term 'carpellum' reveals how botanical Latin preserves Greek heritage—every time botanists say 'carpel' they're actually saying 'little fruit organ,' which is exactly what it becomes!

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