pyxidium

[ pik-sid-ee-uhm ]

noun

, Botany.

, plural pyx·id·i·a [pik-, sid, -ee-, uh].

1. a seed vessel that opens transversely, the top part acting as a lid, as in the purslane.

pyxidium

/ pɪkˈsɪdɪəm; ˈpɪksɪs /

noun

1. the dry fruit of such plants as the plantain: a capsule whose upper part falls off when mature so that the seeds are released

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyxidium¹

1825–35; < New Latin < Greek pyxídion a little box, equivalent to pyxid- (stem of pyxís ) a box + -ion diminutive noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyxidium¹

C19: via New Latin from Greek puxidion a little box, from puxis box, pyx

Example Sentences

Pyxis, Pyxidium, a pod opening round horizontally by a lid, 124.

From Project Gutenberg

The capsule of gold-beater's skin, in which the grubs of the Cione are enclosed, divides itself, at the moment of liberation, into two hemispheres "of a regularity so perfect that they recall exactly the bursting of the pyxidium when the seed is distributed."

From Project Gutenberg