achene

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From French akène and its source, Latin achena, from Ancient Greek ἀ- (a-, “a-”) + χαίνω (khaínō, “to gape”).

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /əˈkiːn/

Noun

achene (plural achenes)

  1. (botany) A small, dry, indehiscent fruit, containing a single seed, as in the buttercup.

Usage notes

Early botanists referred to achenes as naked seeds.

Derived terms

Translations

Further reading

  • achene in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
  • achene at OneLook Dictionary Search
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