What does laticifer mean?
A laticifer is a specialized cell, or a connected system of cells, that contains and releases latex, the often milky fluid found in certain plants. Laticifers occur in several plant families and may form either branching networks or long, tube-like structures through the plant. When damaged, they can release latex, which may protect the plant by sealing wounds, deterring herbivores, or irritating predators. The word is principally used in botany and plant anatomy, where the structures are studied in relation to latex production and the biology of rubber-bearing and other latex-bearing plants. It is not a general synonym for any cell that contains a milky substance: the term specifically identifies the cell or cellular system responsible for producing and secreting latex.
nounA specialized plant cell, or connected system of cells, that contains and secretes latex.
- A specialized cell or connected system of cells in a plant that contains and secretes latex.
"Damage to a laticifer can cause latex to leak from the plant."
"A laticifer ruptured when the stem was cut."
"Researchers used staining techniques to examine the laticifers of the tropical plant."
The regular plural is used when referring to individual cells or cellular systems.
"Laticifers form branching networks through the plant's tissues."
Laticifers are microscopic plant cells with a spectacularly messy habit: when ruptured, they release the milky latex used by plants for defense and repair.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does laticifer come from?
The word is Latin-derived, formed from the stem of Latin lātex, meaning “milk” or “latex,” together with -fer, meaning “bearing” or “carrying.” Latin lactifer and the English adjective laticiferous are related forms based on the same Latin root for milk. In botanical usage, the term has been developed to designate the specialized cells that contain and discharge latex.
Related word forms
How laticifer is actually used
This is technical botanical terminology rather than everyday vocabulary. It is most often used in discussions of plant anatomy, latex production, and the families of plants that contain laticifers.