calycle

/ kəˈlɪkjʊləs; ˈkælɪkəl; kəˈlɪkjʊlə /

noun

1. zoology a cup-shaped structure, as in the coral skeleton
2. botany another name for epicalyx

Derived Forms

• calycular, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of calycle¹

C18: from Latin, diminutive of calyx

Example Sentences

Young Oceania just escaped from its reproductive calycle; magnified.

From Project Gutenberg

This protecting calycle is wanting round the heads of the Tubularians, though their stems are surrounded by a sheath.

From Project Gutenberg

The reproductive calycles, i.e. the protecting envelopes covering the young Medusæ, usually arise in the angles of the branches formed by a prolongation of the sheath.

From Project Gutenberg

These calycles or bells, as they are called, assume a great variety of shapes,—elliptical, round, pear-shaped, or ringed like the Clytia.

From Project Gutenberg

In one such bell there may be no less than twenty or thirty Medusæ developed one below the other; when ready to hatch, the calycle bursts and allows them to escape.

From Project Gutenberg