CYATHIUM Meaning and
Definition
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A cyathium is a specialized inflorescence found in certain plants, particularly members of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). It is a type of flower cluster that consists of a cup-like structure containing several small florets. The name "cyathium" is derived from the Greek word "kyathion," which means a small cup or ladle.
A typical cyathium is composed of a central female flower surrounded by several male flowers. The central flower, known as the pistillate flower, is usually the most prominent and is characterized by having a single pistil. Surrounding the pistillate flower are numerous male flowers, called staminate flowers, which are typically small and inconspicuous. These male flowers possess a single stamen each and contribute to the overall visual appeal of the cyathium.
The cup-like structure, known as the involucre, supports and protects the florets. It is usually green or bract-like in appearance, and in some species, it may be brightly colored or have distinctive patterns. The involucre is often mistaken as a single flower, but it is actually a modified leaf structure.
Cyathia are important reproductive structures in plants, as they facilitate pollination by attracting and providing resources for pollinators such as insects or birds. They are also significant in distinguishing and classifying plant species within the Euphorbiaceae family.
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An inflorescence having a tubular involucre, with alternating crescentic glandular appendages, enclosing one female flower surrounded by five groups of male flowers.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CYATHIUM
- xyathium
- vyathium
- fyathium
- dyathium
- ctathium
- cgathium
- chathium
- cuathium
- c7athium
- c6athium
- cyzthium
- cysthium
- cywthium
- cyqthium
- cyarhium
- cyafhium
- cyaghium
- cyayhium
- cya6hium
- cya5hium
Etymology of CYATHIUM
The word "cyathium" has its origins in Ancient Greek. It comes from the Greek word "kyathion" (κυάθιον), which means "a small cup" or "a drinking vessel". In plant anatomy, a cyathium is a cup-like structure often found in plants of the family Euphorbiaceae, which contains modified flowers. The term was likely chosen due to the resemblance of the structure to a small cup or glass.
Similar spelling words for CYATHIUM
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