silique

[ suh-leek, sil-ik ]

noun

, Botany.

1. the long two-valved seed vessel or pod of plants belonging to the mustard family.

silique

/ sĭ-lēk′ /

1. An elongated dry dehiscent seed pod that is the characteristic fruit of the mustard family. The two sides split off at maturity and leave a central partition to which the seeds are attached.

Other Words From

• sil·i·qua·ceous [sil-i-, kwey, -sh, uh, s], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of silique¹

1400–50; late Middle English selyque, silique (< Middle French silique ) < Latin siliqua; siliqua

Example Sentences

An average garlic mustard plant can produce up to 600 tiny seeds, which are arranged in long, narrow capsules called siliques.

From New York Times

Pod a short silique or a silicle, varying from oblong-linear to globular, terete or nearly so; valves strongly convex, nerveless.

From Project Gutenberg

A Silicle or Pouch is only a short and broad silique, like that of the Shepherd's Purse, Fig.

From Project Gutenberg

Saying which, he glances up to the algarobias, from which the long siliques droop down in profusion, more plentiful than tempting to him.

From Project Gutenberg

In the other they are inclosed in a silique, as in Wall-flower.

From Project Gutenberg