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aphylly

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /əˈfɪli/

KK: /əˈfɪli/

noun
Definition

A condition in plants where leaves are completely absent, often seen in certain types of cacti and other plants.


Example

The cactus exhibited aphylly, thriving without any leaves.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of the term aphylly?
Sloth B
No, I haven't! What does it mean?
Sloth A
It's basically when a plant has no leaves, like some cacti.
Sloth B
That's interesting! I didn't know plants could be like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
leaflessness
bare
naked
Antonyms
foliage
leafage
greenery
Root Explanation

The word 'aphylly' originates from the Greek 'aphyllon' (meaning without leaves), where 'a-' (meaning without) is a prefix and 'phyllon' (meaning leaf) is the root. Thus, 'aphylly' refers to the condition of being without leaves.

Memory Tip

Think of 'without' ('a-') and 'leaves' ('phyllon') to remember that 'aphylly' means a state of having no leaves.

Visually Confused Words
phyllody
phyllary
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