perianth

[ per-ee-anth ]

noun

, Botany.

1. the envelope of a flower, whether calyx or corolla or both.

perianth

/ ˈpɛrɪˌænθ /

noun

1. the outer part of a flower, consisting of the calyx and corolla

perianth

/ pĕr′ē-ănth′ /

1. The sepals and petals of a flower considered together.

Other Words From

• peri·anthi·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of perianth¹

1700–10; earlier perianthium < New Latin. See peri-, anth-, -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of perianth¹

C18: from French périanthe, from New Latin, from peri- + Greek anthos flower

Example Sentences

Elegant bicolor blooms appear in early spring with reflexed ivory perianths and a golden corona, or trumpet, that shifts to a soft apricot as the bloom ages.

From Seattle Times

Ceylon has a yellow perianth with a rich orange cup that reddens over the blooming period.

From Seattle Times

While I’ve grown Algerian iris for years, just last winter I began harvesting the long-necked blossoms — technically, those “necks” are pronounced perianth tubes that are up to 8 inches long — as a cut flower.

From Seattle Times

For example, a reduction in whorls would have allowed the perianth—the sepals and the petals—to play more of a protective role and help attract pollinators.

From Scientific American

The cup is shorter than the perianth segments, but always more than one-third their length; one flower per stem.

From Southern Living