Definition

A protective covering that surrounds the shoot tip and the first leaves of certain plants, especially grasses.

Example

The coleoptile helps protect the young shoot as it grows through the soil.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a coleoptile?

I think so, but I’m not exactly sure what it is.

It’s the protective sheath that covers the shoot tip in grasses.

That’s interesting! I didn’t know that was what it was called.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Coleoptile → It is formed from "coleo-" (from Greek "koleos", meaning sheath) and "-ptile" (from Greek "ptilon", meaning feather or wing). The word refers to the sheath that protects the emerging shoot of a seedling, resembling a feather or wing in its protective role.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'sheath' ('coleo-') that protects a 'feather' or 'wing' ('-ptile') — that's why a coleoptile is the protective covering for a young plant shoot.

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