circumscissile

[ sur-kuhm-sis-il ]

adjective

, Botany.

1. opening along a transverse circular line, as a seed vessel.

circumscissile

/ ˌsɜːkəmˈsɪsaɪl /

adjective

1. (of the dry dehiscent fruits of certain plants) opening completely by a transverse split

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumscissile¹

First recorded in 1825–35; circum- + scissile

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumscissile¹

C19: from circum- + Latin scissilis capable of splitting, from scindere to split

Example Sentences

Capsule 3–5-celled with axile placentæ, loculicidal or circumscissile, many-seeded.

From Project Gutenberg

Fruit a circumscissile 2-celled capsule, with one or more peltate seeds in each cell, or an achene.

From Project Gutenberg

Diapensiaceæ, 326 Stamens inserted on the tube of the corolla, Four; pod 2-celled, circumscissile.

From Project Gutenberg

Penthorum, in Crassulaceæ, 176 Three-celled and 3-valved, or 3–5-celled and circumscissile.

From Project Gutenberg

Pod 3–5-celled, many-seeded, circumscissile, the upper part falling off as a lid.—Usually prostrate maritime herbs, with succulent stems, opposite leaves, and axillary or terminal flowers.

From Project Gutenberg