epigeous

[ ep-i-jee-uhs ]

adjective

, Botany.

1. growing on or close to the ground.
2. (of cotyledons) lifted above ground in germination.

epigeous

/ ˌɛpɪˈdʒiːəs /

adjective

1. a variant of epigeal

epigeous

/ ĕp′ə-jē′əs /

1. Relating to the germination of a seed in which the cotyledons emerge above the surface of the ground.
2. Compare hypogeous

Word History and Origins

Origin of epigeous¹

First recorded in 1825–35; from Greek epígeios “on, of the world,” equivalent to epi- prefix meaning “on, over, near, etc.” + -geios ( ge-, stem of gê “earth“ + -ios adjective suffix); epi-, -ous

Example Sentences

It is a short, unattractive tree, with epigeous branches spreading out in a straggling manner.

From Project Gutenberg