aphyllous

[ ey-fil-uhs ]

adjective

, Botany.

1. naturally leafless.

aphyllous

/ əˈfɪləs /

adjective

1. (of plants) having no leaves

aphyllous

/ ā-fĭl′əs /

1. Bearing no leaves; leafless. Aphyllous plants conduct photosynthesis in their stems and branches.

Derived Forms

• aˈphylly, noun

Other Words From

• aphyl·ly noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of aphyllous¹

1820–30; < New Latin aphyllus < Greek áphyllos leafless. See a- ⁶, -phyllous

Word History and Origins

Origin of aphyllous¹

C19: from New Latin aphyllus, from Greek aphullos, from a- ¹+ phullon leaf

Example Sentences

Both are finally distinguishable from the type by their longer stalks, which are more decidedly aphyllous, and by their later flowering.

From Project Gutenberg

A, at the beginning of words of Greek derivation, commonly signifies a negative, or the absence of something; as apetalous, without petals; aphyllous, leafless, &c.

From Project Gutenberg