Embryophyta

/ˌɛmbriːoʊˈfaɪtə/ noun

Definition

A major plant division comprising land plants (sometimes called Embrophyta), characterized by having true roots, stems, leaves, and producing embryos.

Etymology

From embryon plus Greek phyta 'plants.' Scientific classification term for terrestrial plants that protect their embryos, distinguishing them from algae.

Kelly Says

Embryophyta represent plants' great conquest of land—they evolved protective layers for their embryos, which algae never needed because water did the job for them.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.