SEPTIFRAGAL Meaning and
Definition
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Septifragal is an adjective used to describe a specific type of dehiscence in plants. Dehiscence refers to the spontaneous opening or splitting of plant structures, such as fruits, capsules, or anthers, to release seeds or pollen. Septifragal dehiscence, specifically, involves the splitting or breaking apart of these structures along the septa, which are the thin walls that separate the chambers of the ovary or anther.
In septifragal dehiscence, the splitting occurs along the natural lines of weakness that exist in these septa. As a result, the structure opens and releases its contents, often exposing the seeds or pollen for dispersal by external agents such as wind, water, or animals.
This mode of dehiscence is commonly found in various plant families, such as the Fabaceae (legume family) or Solanaceae (nightshade family). It serves as an efficient mechanism for the dispersal and propagation of seeds or pollen from the parent plant to new locations, aiding in the plant's reproductive success.
The term "septifragal" is derived from Latin, where "septum" means a wall or partition, and "frangere" means to break. Together, they signify the breaking or splitting along the septa. This botanical term is primarily used in scientific literature and discussions related to the morphology and reproductive biology of plants.
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Applied to a dehiscence which takes place along the lines of suture, the valves at the same time separating from the dissepiments, which are not subdivided.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SEPTIFRAGAL
- aeptifragal
- zeptifragal
- xeptifragal
- deptifragal
- eeptifragal
- weptifragal
- swptifragal
- ssptifragal
- sdptifragal
- srptifragal
- s4ptifragal
- s3ptifragal
- seotifragal
- seltifragal
- se-tifragal
- se0tifragal
- seprifragal
- sepfifragal
- sepgifragal
- sepyifragal
Etymology of SEPTIFRAGAL
The word septifragal is derived from the combination of two Latin roots: septum and frangere.
1. Septum means a wall or a partition. It is derived from the Latin verb secare, meaning to cut or to divide.
2. Frangere means to break or to fracture.
Thus, when these two roots are combined, the resulting word septifragal can be understood to mean breaking or fracturing of a wall or partition.
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