putamen

[ pyoo-tey-min ]

noun

, plural pu·tam·i·na [pyoo-, tam, -, uh, -n, uh].

1. Botany. a hard or stony endocarp, as a peach stone.
2. a shell membrane.

putamen

/ pjuːˈteɪmɛn /

noun

1. the hard endocarp or stone of fruits such as the peach, plum, and cherry

Other Words From

• pu·tam·i·nous [pyoo-, tam, -, uh, -n, uh, s], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of putamen¹

1820–30; < Latin putāmen, equivalent to putā ( re ) to prune, clean + -men resultative suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of putamen¹

C19: from Latin: clippings, from putāre to prune

Example Sentences

The endocarp is usually hard, forming the stone (putamen) of the fruit, which encloses the kernel or seed.

From Project Gutenberg

Drupe globular; the thin crustaceous putamen hollowed out like a cup on one side.

From Project Gutenberg

Drupe with a 2-valved deciduous sarcocarp, or rind; and a deeply-wrinkled putamen or shell.

From Project Gutenberg