cleistogamous

adjective

cleis·​tog·​a·​mous klī-ˈstä-gə-məs How to pronounce cleistogamous (audio)
variants or less commonly cleistogamic
ˌklī-stə-ˈga-mik How to pronounce cleistogamous (audio)
: characterized by or being small inconspicuous closed self-pollinating flowers additional to and often more fruitful than showier ones on the same plant
violets are cleistogamous
cleistogamously
klī-ˈstä-gə-məs-lē How to pronounce cleistogamous (audio)
adverb
cleistogamy
klī-ˈstä-gə-mē How to pronounce cleistogamous (audio)
noun

Word History

Etymology

Greek kleistos closed (from kleiein to close) + International Scientific Vocabulary -gamous — more at clavicle

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cleistogamous was in 1874

Dictionary Entries Near cleistogamous

cleistocarpous

cleistogamous

cleistogene

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Cleistogamous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cleistogamous. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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