Definition

Referring to plants that have two seed leaves or cotyledons when they germinate.

Example

Sunflowers are dicotyledonous plants because they have two cotyledons.

Conversation

Did you know that sunflowers are dicotyledonous?

Really? I always thought they were just regular flowers.

Yeah, it means they have two cotyledons when they sprout.

That's interesting! I guess I should learn more about plant types.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Dicotyledonous is formed from "di-" (meaning two) and "cotyledon" (from Greek "kotyledon", meaning seed leaf). The term refers to plants that have two seed leaves or cotyledons upon germination.

Memory Tip

Think of 'two' ('di-') seed leaves ('cotyledon') when you remember that dicotyledonous plants have two seed leaves.

Visually Confused Words