peduncle

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: pe=dun=cle

CIDE DICTIONARY

peduncle, n. [Formed fr. (assumed) L. pedunculus, dim. of pes, pedis, a foot: cf. F. pédoncule.].

•  The stem or stalk that supports the flower or fruit of a plant, or a cluster of flowers or fruits.  [1913 Webster]

  " The ultimate divisions or branches of a peduncle are called pedicels. In the case of a solitary flower, the stalk would be called a peduncle if the flower is large, and a pedicel if it is small or delicate."  [1913 Webster]
•  A sort of stem by which certain shells and barnacles are attached to other objects. See Illust. of Barnacle.  [1913 Webster]
•  A band of nervous or fibrous matter connecting different parts of the brain; as, the peduncles of the cerebellum; the peduncles of the pineal gland.  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

peduncle, n.
1 Bot. the stalk of a flower, fruit, or cluster, esp. a main stalk bearing a solitary flower or subordinate stalks (cf. PEDICEL).
2 Zool. a stalklike projection in an animal body.

Derivative

peduncular adj. pedunculate adj.

Etymology

mod.L pedunculus f. L pes pedis foot: see -UNCLE

ROGET THESAURUS

peduncle

Pendency

N pendency, dependency, suspension, hanging, pedicel, pedicle, peduncle, tail, train, flap, skirt, pigtail, pony tail, pendulum, hangnail peg, knob, button, hook, nail, stud, ring, staple, tenterhook, fastening, spar, horse, pendent, pendulous, pensile, hanging, beetling, jutting over, overhanging, projecting, dependent, suspended, loose, flowing, having a peduncle, pedunculate, tailed, caudate.