anthocarpous

[ an-thuh-kahr-puhs ]

adjective

1. (of a fruit) having accessory or enlarged tissue, as the apple or strawberry.

Word History and Origins

Origin of anthocarpous¹

First recorded in 1825–35; antho- + -carpous

Example Sentences

The syconus is an anthocarpous fruit, in which the receptacle completely encloses numerous flowers and becomes succulent.

From Project Gutenberg

When the fruit is composed of the ovaries of several flowers united, it is usual to find the bracts and floral envelopes also joined with them, so as to form one mass; hence such fruits are known as multiple, confluent or anthocarpous.

From Project Gutenberg

The term anthocarpous has also been applied as indicating that the floral envelopes as well as the carpels are concerned in the formation of the fruit.

From Project Gutenberg