axil

[ ak-sil ]

noun

, Botany.

1. the angle between the upper side of a leaf or stem and the supporting stem or branch.

axil

/ ˈæksɪl /

noun

1. the angle between the upper surface of a branch or leafstalk and the stem from which it grows

axil

/ ăk′sĭl /

1. The angle between the upper side of a leaf or stem and the stem or branch that supports it. A bud is usually found in the axil.

Word History and Origins

Origin of axil¹

First recorded in 1785–95, axil is from the Latin word axilla armpit

Word History and Origins

Origin of axil¹

C18: from Latin axilla armpit

Example Sentences

Finger-length ears grow from the axils of their elongated leaves and every one of them consists of a dozen rock-hard seeds.

From Science Daily

These slow-moving pests are covered with a mealy wax and tend to cluster in large numbers to feed, appearing as cottony masses in leaf axils and other protected areas.

From Seattle Times

Pinch out suckers in leaf axils to promote neat, upright growth.

From Washington Post

Instead of making that big head right away, this plant sprouts a mini-cabbage in every leaf axil — the “V” formed between a leaf’s stem and the main stalk.

From Washington Post

The loose panicles of male flowers, and the short spikes of female flowers, arise from the axils of the upper leaves.

From Project Gutenberg