epicotyl

/ɛpɪˈkaʊtɪl/

Definitions

1. noun

The first stem or shoot that emerges from a seed, especially a monocotyledonous seedling.

“The epicotyl of the sprouting seedling pushed its way through the soil.”

2. noun

A stem or leafy part that grows from a seed, especially in plants with two cotyledons.

“The epicotyl developed rapidly, reaching the sunlight within a few hours.”

Synonyms

  • hypocotyl
  • seedling stem

Antonyms

  • rhizome
  • taproot