sepal

views updated Jun 08 2018

se·pal / ˈsēpəl/ • n. Bot. each of the parts of the calyx of a flower, enclosing the petals and typically green and leaflike.

sepal

views updated Jun 08 2018

sepal Modified leaf that makes up the outermost portion of a flower bud. Although usually green and inconspicuous once the flower is open, in some species, the sepals look like the petals.

sepal

views updated May 21 2018

sepal (bot.) division of the calyx. XIX. — modL. sepalum; formed (1790) by N. J. de Necker, perh. f. SEPARATE + PETAL.

sepal

views updated Jun 08 2018

sepal In a flower, one of the outer floral leaves, usually greenish, which are borne in a tight spiral or whorled.

sepal

views updated May 29 2018

sepal One of the parts of a flower making up the calyx. Sepals are considered to be modified leaves with a simpler structure. They are usually green and often hairy but in some plants, e.g. monk's hood, they may be brightly coloured.