involucel

[ in-vol-yuh-sel ]

noun

, Botany.

1. a secondary involucre, as in a compound cluster of flowers.

involucel

/ ɪnˈvɒljʊˌsɛl; ɪnˌvɒljʊˈsɛləm /

noun

1. a ring of bracts at the base of the florets of a compound umbel

Derived Forms

• inˌvoluˈcellate, adjective

Other Words From

• in·vol·u·cel·ate [in-vol-y, uh, -, sel, -it], in·vol·u·cel·at·ed [in-vol-y, uh, -, sel, -ey-tid], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of involucel¹

1755–65; < New Latin involūcellum, diminutive of Latin involūcrum involucrum; for formation, castellum

Word History and Origins

Origin of involucel¹

C19: from New Latin involūcellum a little cover; see involucre

Example Sentences

Involucel of 6 to 9 bractlets.

From Project Gutenberg

Involucel of 3 bractlets or none.

From Project Gutenberg

M. Álcea, L., with the stem-leaves only once 5-parted or cleft, the lobes incised, large flowers like the last, but the fruit smooth, and bractlets of the involucel ovate, has escaped from gardens.

From Project Gutenberg

Calyx either naked or with a 3-leaved involucel at its base.

From Project Gutenberg

Hirsute or hispid, procumbent; leaves rounded, 5–7-parted or -cleft, the segments incisely lobed; peduncles elongated, 1-flowered; calyx 5-parted, the lanceolate 3–5-nerved sepals twice as long as the involucel; petals red or purplish, carpels indehiscent, rugose-reticulated.—Minn. to Tex.

From Project Gutenberg