epigynous

[ ih-pij-uh-nuhs ]

adjective

, Botany.

1. (of flowers) having all floral parts conjoint and generally divergent from the ovary at or near its summit.
2. (of stamens, petals, etc.) having the parts so arranged.

epigynous

/ ɪˈpɪdʒɪnəs /

adjective

1. (of flowers) having the receptacle enclosing and fused with the gynoecium so that the other floral parts arise above it

epigynous

/ ĭ-pĭj′ə-nəs /

1. Having floral parts (such as the petals and stamens) attached to or near the upper part of the ovary, as in the flower of the apple, cucumber, or daffodil.
2. Compare hypogynous

Derived Forms

• eˈpigyny, noun

Other Words From

• e·pigy·ny noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of epigynous¹

First recorded in 1820–30; epi- + -gynous

Word History and Origins

Origin of epigynous¹

C19: from epi- + Greek gunē (female organ, pistil) + -ous

Example Sentences

Flowers small, regular, perfect or polygamous; calyx-limb minute or obsolete; ovary inferior, 2–several-celled, with solitary pendulous ovules; petals and stamens mostly 4 or 5, on the margin of an epigynous disk surrounding the styles; albumen copious.

From Project Gutenberg

Stamens 5, epigynous, alternate with the petals.

From Project Gutenberg

Petals 5, epigynous, oblong or obovate, lightly imbricated in the bud, deciduous.

From Project Gutenberg

The flowers are unisexual, and strikingly epigynous, the perianth and stamens being attached to a bell-shaped prolongation of the receptacle above the ovary.

From Project Gutenberg

Stylopodium, an epigynous disk, or an enlargement at the base of the style.

From Project Gutenberg