Definition of marcescent in English:
marcescent
adjective mɑːˈsɛs(ə)ntˌmɑrˈsɛs(ə)nt
Botany (of a leaf or frond) withering but remaining attached to the stem.
Example sentencesExamples
- After tertiary capitula ripened, cauline leaves senesced and remained marcescent on the stems.
- Several trees normally have marcescent leaves such as oak (Quercus), beech (Fagus) and hornbeam (Carpinus).
- There seems to be no evidence that marcescent leaves provide additional cold protection.
Derivatives
noun
Botany Legend notwithstanding, the ecological causes and consequences of marcescence are not well understood.
Example sentencesExamples
- Marcescence is considered a juvenile characteristic because it is more common on younger trees and on the lower, more juvenile, parts of older trees.
Origin
Early 18th century: from Latin marcescent- 'beginning to wither', from marcere 'wither'.
Definition of marcescent in US English:
marcescent
adjectiveˌmɑrˈsɛs(ə)ntˌmärˈses(ə)nt
Botany (of leaves or fronds) withering but remaining attached to the stem.
Example sentencesExamples
- Several trees normally have marcescent leaves such as oak (Quercus), beech (Fagus) and hornbeam (Carpinus).
- After tertiary capitula ripened, cauline leaves senesced and remained marcescent on the stems.
- There seems to be no evidence that marcescent leaves provide additional cold protection.
Origin
Early 18th century: from Latin marcescent- ‘beginning to wither’, from marcere ‘wither’.