Gynecium

/dʒɪˈniːʃəm/ noun

Definition

The female reproductive part of a flower, consisting of the ovary, style, and stigma (also called the pistil or carpel).

Etymology

From Greek 'gyne' (woman) and 'oikos' (house), literally meaning the 'woman's house' or 'female compartment' of the flower, from Linnaeus's botanical terminology.

Kelly Says

Linnaeus named flower parts like he was describing a household—the 'gynecium' is the female apartment, and he even called the male parts the 'andrecium,' making flowers sound like Victorian houses!

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