hypocotyl

[ hahy-puh-kot-l ]

noun

, Botany.

1. the part of a plant embryo directly below the cotyledons, forming a connection with the radicle.

hypocotyl

/ ˌhaɪpəˈkɒtɪl /

noun

1. the part of an embryo plant between the cotyledons and the radicle

hypocotyl

/ hī′pə-kŏt′l /

1. The part of a plant embryo or seedling that lies between the radicle and the cotyledons. Upon germination, the hypocotyl pushes the cotyledons above the ground to develop. It eventually becomes part of the plant stem. Most seed-bearing plants have hypocotyls, but the grasses have different, specialized structures.

Derived Forms

• ˌhypoˈcotylous, adjective

Other Words From

• hypo·coty·lous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypocotyl¹

First recorded in 1875–80; hypo- + cotyl(edon)

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypocotyl¹

C19: from hypo- + cotyl ( edon )

Example Sentences

Below the sheathing leaf is a narrow length which will be distinguished as the hypocotyl, and where growth is very active.

From Project Gutenberg

A lens focusses the light from O, on the hypocotyl, and that from O', on the tip of the cotyledon.

From Project Gutenberg

Contrary to generally accepted view the hypocotyl not only perceives but responds to light.

From Project Gutenberg

If the cotyledon be shaded and the light be permitted to fall on one side of the hypocotyl, no heliotropic curving takes place.

From Project Gutenberg

Hence considerable doubt may be entertained as regards the supposed absence of perception in the hypocotyl of Setaria.

From Project Gutenberg