cypsela

[ sip-suh-luh ]

noun

, Botany.

, plural cyp·se·lae [sip, -s, uh, -lee].

1. an achene with an adherent calyx, as in the composite plants.

cypsela

/ ˈsɪpsɪlə /

noun

1. the dry one-seeded fruit of the daisy and related plants, which resembles an achene but is surrounded by a calyx sheath

cypsela

/ sĭp′sə-lə /

, Plural cypselae sĭp′sə-lē′

1. A type of dry fruit consisting of an achene with a closely adhering calyx, the characteristic fruit of the aster family. Dandelions produce cypselae in which the plume, or pappus, is actually a modified sepal.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cypsela¹

1865–70; < New Latin < Greek kypsélē hollow vessel, chest, box

Word History and Origins

Origin of cypsela¹

C19: from New Latin, from Greek kupselē chest, hollow vessel

Example Sentences

Achene; caryopsis; cypsela; nut; schizocarp. ii.

From Project Gutenberg

Perhaps Cypsela, a fort in Parrhasia, near Sciritis in Laconia, is the same as Basilis, Thucyd.

From Project Gutenberg

They also meant to demolish, if possible, the fort of Cypsela which the Mantineans had built and garrisoned in the Parrhasian territory, to annoy the district of Sciritis in Laconia.

From Project Gutenberg

The Lacedaemonians accordingly laid waste the Parrhasian country, and the Mantineans, placing their town in the hands of an Argive garrison, addressed themselves to the defence of their confederacy, but being unable to save Cypsela or the Parrhasian towns went back to Mantinea.

From Project Gutenberg

At Cypsela on the Hebrus Sulla obtained accounts of the ratification of the peace by Mithradates; but the march to Asia went on.

From Project Gutenberg