phylloclade

[ fil-uh-kleyd ]

noun

, Botany.

1. a flattened stem or branch having the function of a leaf.
2. a cladophyll.

phylloclade

/ ˈfɪləʊˌklæd; ˈfɪləʊˌkleɪd /

noun

1. other names for cladode

phylloclade

/ fĭl′ə-klād′ /

1. A flattened, photosynthetic branch or stem that resembles or performs the function of a leaf, as in certain cacti such as the prickly pear.

Other Words From

• phyllo·cladi·oid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of phylloclade¹

From the New Latin word phyllocladium, dating back to 1855–60. See phyllo-, clad-, -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of phylloclade¹

C19: from New Latin phyllocladium, from phyllo- + Greek klados branch