What does angiosperm mean?
An angiosperm is a type of plant that produces flowers and seeds enclosed within a fruit, typically having petals and sepals. This group of plants is incredibly diverse, encompassing everything from towering trees to tiny herbs, and includes many of the world's most familiar plant species, such as roses, sunflowers, and apple trees. Angiosperms are characterized by their flowers, which are often showy and fragrant, and their seeds, which are usually enclosed within a fruit or ovary. With over 400,000 known species, angiosperms are the most diverse group of land plants, and play a vital role in many ecosystems around the world.
nounA plant that produces flowers and seeds enclosed within a fruit, typically having petals and sepals. Angiosperms are the most diverse group of land plants.
- A plant that produces flowers and seeds enclosed within a fruit.
- A member of the plant division Magnoliophyta, characterized by the production of flowers and seeds enclosed within a fruit.
"The rose is a classic example of an angiosperm, with its showy flowers and fleshy fruit."
"The majority of plant species are angiosperms, including crops like wheat, rice, and corn."
"The evolution of angiosperms is thought to have occurred around 130 million years ago during the Cretaceous period."
The plural form 'angiosperms' is used to refer to multiple plants of this type.
"The garden contained a variety of angiosperms, including flowers, trees, and shrubs."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of angiosperm
The term 'angiosperm' comes from the Greek words 'angeion', meaning 'vessel', and 'sperma', meaning 'seed'. This refers to the fact that the seeds of angiosperms are enclosed within a vessel or ovary, which eventually develops into a fruit. The term was first used in the 19th century to describe this group of plants, which were previously known as 'flowering plants'.
Usage notes
The term 'angiosperm' is primarily used in botanical and scientific contexts, but it can also be encountered in general texts about plant biology or gardening.