achene
1 synonym for achene, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small, dry fruit that does not split open and holds a single seed, as seen in the buttercup.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
achenium
How to use achene
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a single achene
ripe achenes
achene surface
cluster of achenes
It is a technical botanical term rather than a word used in everyday conversation.
Etymology
Achene entered English from French achène, which itself came from New Latin achena. That word was built from Ancient Greek roots meaning without and to gape, since the fruit does not split open.
Full origin of achene →Frequently asked questions
What is an achene?
It is a small, dry fruit that stays closed and contains only one seed, such as the fruit found on a buttercup.
Is an achene the same as a seed?
No, an achene is a fruit that contains a single seed inside it, rather than being the seed itself.
Where does the word achene come from?
It came into English from French achène, tracing back to Greek roots meaning without gaping, a reference to the fruit not splitting open.
