monocotyledon (ˌmɒnəʊˌkɒtɪˈliːdən) ![]() | |
| —n | |
| Compare dicotyledon Often shortened to: monocot any flowering plant of the class Monocotyledonae, having a single embryonic seed leaf, leaves with parallel veins, and flowers with parts in threes: includes grasses, lilies, palms, and orchids | |
| monocoty'ledonous | |
| —adj | |
| a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison. |
| a scrap or morsel of food left at a meal. |
monocotyledon (mŏn'ə-kŏt'l-ēd'n) or monocot (mŏn'ə-kŏt'l-ēd'n) Pronunciation Key
(click for larger image in new window) Any of a class of angiosperm plants having a single cotyledon in the seed. Monocotyledons have leaves with parallel veins, flower parts in multiples of three, and fibrous root systems. Their primary vascular bundles are scattered throughout the stem, not arranged in a ring as in eudicotyledons. Grasses, palms, lilies, irises, and orchids are monocotyledons. See more at leaf. Compare eudicotyledon. monocotyledonous adjective |