anatropous

[ uh-na-truh-puhs ]

adjective

, Botany.

1. (of an ovule) inverted at an early stage of growth, so that the micropyle is turned toward the funicle and the embryonic root is at the opposite end.

anatropous

/ əˈnætrəpəs /

adjective

1. (of a plant ovule) inverted during development by a bending of the stalk (funicle) attaching it to the carpel wall Compare orthotropous

Word History and Origins

Origin of anatropous¹

First recorded in 1840–50; ana- + -tropous

Word History and Origins

Origin of anatropous¹

C19: from ana- (inverted) + -tropous

Example Sentences

Seeds 1 or 2 in each carpel, anatropous; albumen fleshy; embryo minute.—Leaves alternate, not toothed, marked with minute transparent dots, feather-veined.

From Project Gutenberg

The superior ovary is generally one-chambered, with two variously developed parietal placentas, which occasionally meet, forming two chambers; the ovules are generally very numerous and anatropous or half-anatropous in form.

From Project Gutenberg

Fig. 348-352 show the stages through which an ovule becomes anatropous in the course of its growth.

From Project Gutenberg

The seeds that are truncate at one end are anatropous, some of them resembling those of red clover are half anatropous.

From Project Gutenberg

No inversion can, therefore, really take place in anatropous ovules, but the blade of the leaf is bent back on the funicle, with which its margins also cohere.

From Project Gutenberg