noun

achene

uh-KEEN

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Achene (noun) means a small, dry fruit that does not split open and holds a single seed, as seen in the buttercup. Example: “Each tiny achene on the flower head carries just one seed.”

noun

botanical A small, dry fruit that does not split open and holds a single seed, as seen in the buttercup.

"Each tiny achene on the flower head carries just one seed."

"The wind scatters the achenes far from the parent plant."

"Under a lens you can see the ridged surface of the achene."

How to use achene

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA tiny dry fruit with one seed inside that does not burst open.

When to use it

It is a technical botanical term rather than a word used in everyday conversation.

Memory tip

Picture a buttercup or a strawberry's outer specks: each tiny dry fruit is an achene, not just a seed.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

a single achene ripe achenes achene surface cluster of achenes

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “achene” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Each tiny _____ on the flower head carries just one seed.

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.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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achenium

Rhymes for achene

gene bene nene lene Rene scene Irene Keene Beene Ilene serene Selene

See all rhymes for 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.

What is the meaning of achene?

"achene" (noun) means a small, dry fruit that does not split open and holds a single seed, as seen in the buttercup.