calyx

[ key-liks, kal-iks ]

noun

, plural ca·lyx·es, cal·y·ces [kal, -, uh, -seez, key, -l, uh, -].

1. Botany. the outermost group of floral parts; the sepals.
2. Anatomy, Zoology. a cuplike part.

calyx

/ ˈkælɪks; ˈkælɪˌkeɪt; ˈkeɪlɪks /

noun

1. the sepals of a flower collectively, forming the outer floral envelope that protects the developing flower bud Compare corolla
2. any cup-shaped cavity or structure, esp any of the divisions of the human kidney ( renal calyx ) that form the renal pelvis

calyx

/ kā′lĭks,kăl′ĭks /

1. The sepals of a flower considered as a group. The calyx is the outermost whorl of a flower.
2. See more at sepal

Derived Forms

• calycate, adjective

Other Words From

• cal·y·cate [kal, -i-keyt], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of calyx¹

First recorded in 1665–75; from Latin, from Greek kályx “cup, calyx (of a flower), husk, pod, covering,” akin to kalýptein “to veil, cover”

Word History and Origins

Origin of calyx¹

C17: from Latin, from Greek kalux shell, from kaluptein to cover, hide

Example Sentences

So you slice off the stem end just below the calyx, the little cap.

From Salon

In addition to learning how to distinguish your calyxes from your corollas, Margelony provides an extensive list of Pacific Northwest public gardens with fuchsia collections.

From Seattle Times

On the cultivar ‘Black and Blue’, the blooms emerge from striking black calyxes.

From Seattle Times

At the base of the blossom are the bright red calyxes of the flower, which can be infused into a delicious drink.

From Washington Post

When small and ovoid, it really does look like an egg, or an egg wearing a little green hat, which is the calyx.

From New York Times