First Known Use: 1835
Dictionary
carpel
noun car·pel \ˈkär-pəl\
Definition of CARPEL
: one of the ovule-bearing structures in an angiosperm that comprises the innermost whorl of a flower — compare pistil
— car·pel·lary \-pə-ˌler-ē\ adjective
— car·pel·late \-ˌlāt, -lət\ adjective
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Origin of CARPEL
New Latin carpellum, from Greek karpos fruit
CARPEL Defined for Kids
carpel
noun car·pel \ˈkär-pəl\
Definition of CARPEL for Kids
: the female reproductive structure of a flower that encloses the ovules <The pistil of a flower can be made up of a single carpel or a group of carpels fused together.>
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