marcescent etymology

Etymology

• marcescent (adj.):** from Latin marcescere, meaning "to wither" or "to wilt"

Meaning

• marcescent: (of leaves, flowers, or other plant parts) Drying up or withering but remaining attached to the plant.

Origin

Definitions

The term "marcescent" has been used in botany since at least the 18th century. It originally referred to the drying up and withering of leaves but has since been expanded to include other plant parts, such as flowers and fruit. Marcescent organs typically remain attached to the plant for an extended period of time, often until the next growing season.

Examples

• The leaves of oak trees are marcescent, remaining on the branches throughout the winter.
• The flowers of hydrangeas are marcescent, turning brown and papery but remaining attached to the plant.
• The fruit of the persimmon tree is marcescent, ripening and falling to the ground but remaining attached to the stem by a persistent stalk.

Significance

Marcescence is a natural phenomenon that occurs in a wide variety of plant species. It is thought to play a role in protecting the plant from desiccation, cold, and other environmental stresses. In some cases, marcescent leaves or other plant parts may also provide camouflage for the plant or its seeds.

marcescent relate terms

• immarcescible

  Etymology Latin immarcescibilis that cannot wither From Latin im not marce

• marcescent

  Etymology marcescent adj from Latin marcescere meaning to wither or to wilt

• brag

  Etymology The word brag originates from the Old Norse word bragr which means boast

• crepuscular

  Etymology Latin crepusculum meaning twilight Derived from the Proto Indo European

• park

  Etymology Old English pearroc enclosure field pasture Proto Germanic parrak en

• perfection

  Etymology From Latin perfectionem state of being complete finished or flawless

• girl

  Etymology The word girl is derived from the Middle English word girl which in turn

• game

  Etymology Origin of the Word The word game is derived from the Old English word game

• skeptic

  Etymology Latin scēpticus from Greek skeptikos inquiring derived from skeptesth

• baptize

  Etymology Origin Greek βαπτίζω baptizō Meaning to dip plunge or immerse

• device

  Etymology The word device comes from the Old French word deviser meaning to divide