Definition

A type of organism, particularly a cultivated plant, that does not have a known wild version and has been significantly altered through domestication.

Example

The banana is a well-known cultigen that has been cultivated for thousands of years.

Conversation

Have you ever heard about a cultigen before?

Yeah, I think that's a plant that doesn't have a wild version, right?

Exactly! It's interesting how some plants are so unique.

I know! It's like they have their own little story of domestication.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cultigen is formed from "cultus" (meaning cultivated) and "-gen" (meaning to produce or generate). The word refers to a plant that has been cultivated or produced through human intervention.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cultivated' ('cultus') plants that are 'produced' ('-gen') by humans — that's what a cultigen is.

Visually Confused Words