noun
monocotyledon
mon-uh-kot-ih-LEE-duhn
Monocotyledon (noun) means a flowering plant whose seedling grows with a single seed leaf, unlike the two seed leaves typical of a dicot. Example: “Grasses and lilies are both examples of monocotyledons.”
noun
1
botany A flowering plant whose seedling grows with a single seed leaf, unlike the two seed leaves typical of a dicot.
"Grasses and lilies are both examples of monocotyledons."
"Botanists separate monocotyledons from dicotyledons by counting their seed leaves."
"Palms and orchids are well-known monocotyledons grown around the world."
How to use monocotyledon
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA flowering plant that starts life with just one seed leaf.
When to use it
A technical botanical term; monocot is the preferred short form in everyday use.
Memory tip
Split the word into mono- (one) and cotyledon (seed leaf) to remember what it means.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
monocotyledon species
class of monocotyledons
typical monocotyledon
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Grasses and lilies are both examples of _____.
Etymology
Formed from mono-, meaning one, and cotyledon, the term for a seed leaf.
Synonyms
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monocot
liliopsid
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for monocotyledon
See all rhymes for monocotyledon →Frequently asked questions
What is a monocotyledon?
It is a flowering plant whose seedling has just one seed leaf, rather than two.
What's the difference between a monocotyledon and a dicotyledon?
A monocotyledon has a single seed leaf, while a dicotyledon has two seed leaves.
What is the shorter, more common word for monocotyledon?
Monocot is the everyday preferred form outside strict botanical or taxonomic use.
What is the meaning of monocotyledon?
"monocotyledon" (noun) means a flowering plant whose seedling grows with a single seed leaf, unlike the two seed leaves typical of a dicot.
