How Do You Spell ROSTELLUM?

Pronunciation: [ɹəstˈɛləm] (IPA)

The word "Rostellum" is spelled with eight letters, and the IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /rɒˈstɛləm/. The first letter "r" is pronounced with a slight rolling of the tongue against the roof of the mouth. The "o" is pronounced as in the word "hot," while the "e" is pronounced as in the word "bed." The double "ll" is pronounced with a longer "l" sound than the single "l." The final "um" is pronounced as "uhm." This word refers to a part of a flower, specifically the beak-like projection from the column.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Plural
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ROSTELLUM Meaning and Definition

  1. A rostellum is a prominent structure commonly found in certain types of plants, particularly in orchids. It refers to a small, beak-like or beak-shaped projection or appendage found on the front surface of the column, which is the reproductive structure of the flower. The rostellum is typically positioned above the stigma, which is the female reproductive organ that receives pollen during the process of pollination.

    The primary function of the rostellum is to prevent self-pollination and promote cross-pollination. It does so by acting as a physical barrier that prevents the pollinia (pollen masses) from reaching the stigma of the same flower. When a pollinator, such as an insect or bird, lands on the flower and attempts to access the nectar or other rewards, it inadvertently touches the rostellum. This contact triggers a mechanism that causes the column to swing downwards, depositing the pollinia onto the pollinator's body. When the pollinator visits another flower of the same species, the previously collected pollinia may come in contact with the stigma of the new flower, facilitating the transfer of pollen and cross-pollination.

    The rostellum is a remarkable adaptation that ensures effective pollination and genetic diversity within plant populations. Its intricate structure and function highlight the remarkable mechanisms that plants have developed for reproductive success in their respective environments.

  2. The anterior portion of the head of a tapeworm, provided with a row of hooks.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. In bot., that part of the heart of a seed which descends and becomes the root; an extension of the upper edge of the stigma in some orchids; in anat., a beak-shaped process.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for ROSTELLUM

Etymology of ROSTELLUM

The word "Rostellum" has its origin in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word "rostellum", which itself comes from the diminutive form of "rostrum".

In Latin, "rostrum" means "beak" or "snout". It refers to the beak of a bird or the snout of certain animals. The diminutive form "rostellum" is used to indicate a smaller or more specific version of the beak or snout.

In botanical terms, "Rostellum" is used to describe a small beak-like or beak-shaped structure found in certain orchid flowers, serving various functions in their reproductive processes.

Plural form of ROSTELLUM is ROSTELLA

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Correct spelling for Rostellum
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