pleiotaxy

or plei·o·tax·is

[ plahy-uh-tak-see ]

noun

, Botany.

1. an increase in the normal number of parts.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pleiotaxy¹

First recorded in 1885–90; pleio- + -taxy

Example Sentences

Pleiotaxy or multiplication of whorls.—In the preceding section notice has been taken of the increased number of parts in a single whorl, but an augmentation of the number of distinct whorls is still more frequently met with.

From Project Gutenberg

The distinction between the two modes in which the parts of the flower are increased in number has been pointed out by Engelmann, Moquin, and others, and the two seem to require distinctive epithets; hence the application of the terms polyphylly and pleiotaxy, as here proposed.

From Project Gutenberg

Pleiotaxy or repetition of the calyx.—The true calyx is very seldom affected in this manner, unless such organs as the epicalyx of mallows, Potentilla, &c., be considered as really parts of the calyx.

From Project Gutenberg

Pleiotaxy of the andrœcium.—An increase in the number of whorls in the stamens is very common, especially in cases where the number of circles of stamens is naturally large.

From Project Gutenberg

Pleiotaxy of the gynœcium.—An increase in the number of whorls of which the pistil consists is not of very frequent occurrence.

From Project Gutenberg