Exstipulate

/ɛkˈstɪpjʊleɪt/ adjective

Definition

In botany, describing a plant or leaf that lacks stipules (small leaf-like appendages at the base of a leaf stem).

Etymology

From Latin ex- (without) + stipula (stalk, straw). In botanical terminology, the prefix ex- means 'without,' making this a technical term for leaves missing their characteristic features.

Kelly Says

Botanists use this to classify plants—some species have those tiny stipules and some don't, and this word lets them quickly note which is which in their field notes.

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