midrib

American  

[mid-rib] / ˈmɪdˌrɪb /

noun

Botany.

1. the central or middle rib of a leaf.

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midrib British  

/ ˈmɪdˌrɪb /

noun

1. the main vein of a leaf, running down the centre of the blade

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midrib Scientific  

/ mĭd′rĭb′ /

1. The central or main vein of a leaf, as in eudicots, magnoliids, and ferns. Midribs generally protrude from the underside of leaves with pinnate venation.

2. See more at venation

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Etymology

Origin of midrib

First recorded in 1690–1700; mid- + rib ¹

Example Sentences

Eggs that are laid in the midrib on the underside of leaves first hatch in mid-May, but those infestations are followed by later generations in June, July and August.

From Seattle Times

Two colorful varieties are ‘Red Giant’, with thick purplish-red leaves, and ‘Dragon Tongue’, with crinkled green leaves, purple veins and ivory-white midribs.

From Seattle Times

By this stage the larvae become eating machines, devouring entire leaves, leaving only the midrib in their wake.

From Seattle Times

She buys the leaves from Asia Market in Manhattan’s Chinatown, about a dozen a pack with the midribs cut out, folded like tablecloths.

From New York Times

Culm 1–2° high; leaves roughish; panicle open; glumes unequal, lanceolate, their midrib and the pedicels rough.—N.

From Project Gutenberg