axil

[ ak-sil ]

noun

, Botany.

1. the angle between the upper side of a leaf or stem and the supporting stem or branch.

axil

/ ˈæksɪl /

noun

1. the angle between the upper surface of a branch or leafstalk and the stem from which it grows

axil

/ ăk′sĭl /

1. The angle between the upper side of a leaf or stem and the stem or branch that supports it. A bud is usually found in the axil.

Word History and Origins

Origin of axil¹

First recorded in 1785–95, axil is from the Latin word axilla armpit

Word History and Origins

Origin of axil¹

C18: from Latin axilla armpit

Example Sentences

Life was about get interesting for Amber, 31; Mousse, 37; Axil, 29; Buster, 28; Connor, 29; December, 29; Denise, 30; Inky, 29; Tequila, 29, and Mocha, 31.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead of making that big head right away, this plant sprouts a mini-cabbage in every leaf axil — the “V” formed between a leaf’s stem and the main stalk.

From Washington Post

Glume a single scale-like bract with a flower in its axil.

From Project Gutenberg

Flowers monœcious, solitary or 2 or 3 together in the axil of the same leaf, wholly naked or between a pair of membranaceous bracts.

From Project Gutenberg

Seeds flattened.—Slender glabrous climbing annuals or perennials, with very small racemose or panicled white sterile flowers and a solitary fertile one in the same axil.

From Project Gutenberg