Cyath

/ˈsaɪ.æθ/ noun

Definition

A cup-shaped structure in plants, especially in cycads and ferns, or in zoology, a cup-like anatomical structure or depression.

Etymology

From Greek kyathos meaning 'cup' or 'drinking vessel.' The botanical/zoological term refers to any cup-shaped morphological feature.

Kelly Says

The word cyath shows up in ancient Greek drinking culture—kyathos was an actual cup used in symposiums, and botanists borrowed the word because plant structures looked like little cups.

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