Estipulate

/ɛˈstɪpjuleɪt/ adjective

Definition

In botany, lacking stipules (small leaf-like appendages at the base of a leaf stem).

Etymology

From Latin 'e-' (without) + 'stipula' (stipule, a small stalk or blade). The prefix 'e-' or 'ex-' means 'out' or 'without,' making this the botanical opposite of 'stipulate.'

Kelly Says

Botanists use this technical term to describe leaves without stipules, which helps them classify and identify plant species—it's a tiny detail that matters enormously when you're trying to figure out what plant you're looking at.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

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