spadix

[ spey-diks ]

noun

, Botany.

, plural spa·di·ces [spey-, dahy, -seez, spey, -d, uh, -seez].

1. an inflorescence consisting of a spike with a fleshy or thickened axis, usually enclosed in a spathe.

spadix

/ ˈspeɪdɪks /

noun

1. a racemose inflorescence having many small sessile flowers borne on a fleshy stem, the whole usually being surrounded by a spathe: typical of aroid plants

spadix

/ spā′dĭks /

, Plural spadices spā′dĭ-sēz′

1. A fleshy spike of minute flowers, usually enclosed within a spathe, as in the arums.

Word History and Origins

Origin of spadix¹

1750–60; < Latin spādīx a broken palm branch and its fruit < Greek spā́dīx a torn-off palm bough, chestnut brown; akin to spân to tear off

Word History and Origins

Origin of spadix¹

C18: from Latin: pulled-off branch of a palm, with its fruit, from Greek: torn-off frond; related to Greek span to pull off

Example Sentences

The pistillate flowers are clustered round the bottom of the spadix, and consist of a number of sessile ovaries.

From Project Gutenberg

These creep down the spadix, passing through the narrow neck into the closed compartment below.

From Project Gutenberg

The whole of the spadix is surrounded by a large bract or spathe which is contracted a little distance above its base.

From Project Gutenberg

Flowers moncious or by abortion dicious, covering only the base of the spadix, which is elongated and naked above.

From Project Gutenberg

Flowers moncious, thickly covering the long and tapering spadix throughout (or only its apex naked).

From Project Gutenberg