pappus

[ pap-uhs ]

noun

, Botany.

, plural pap·pi [pap, -ahy].

1. a downy, bristly, or other tuftlike appendage of the achene of certain plants, as the dandelion and the thistle.

pappus

/ ˈpæpəs /

noun

1. a ring of fine feathery hairs surrounding the fruit in composite plants, such as the thistle; aids dispersal of the fruits by the wind

pappus

/ păp′əs /

, Plural pappi păp′ī

1. A structure made of scales, bristles, or featherlike hairs that is attached to the seeds (called cypselae) of plants of the composite family and that aids in dispersal by the wind. The downy part of a dandelion or thistle seed is a pappus. The pappus is derived from a modified calyx.

Derived Forms

• ˈpappose, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pappus¹

1695–1705; < New Latin < Greek páppos down, literally, grandfather (taken as greybeard, white hairs, down)

Word History and Origins

Origin of pappus¹

C18: via New Latin, from Greek pappos grandfather, old man, old man's beard, hence: pappus, down

Example Sentences

Pappus pilosus, denticulato scaber, pluriserialis, radiolis exterioribus brevioribus.

From Project Gutenberg

I do not think that I made enough about the great power of absorption of water by the corolla-like calyx or pappus.

From Project Gutenberg

Moreover, the hairs of the pappus which crowns the seed are four times longer, and unequal instead of being equal.

From Project Gutenberg

In both species the achenes of the ray have no pappus, but those of the disc have a pappus of stiff hairs in several rows.

From Project Gutenberg

The fruit is brown, curved, with transverse ridges and a stalked pappus of feathery hairs.

From Project Gutenberg