Definition

A condition in plants where leaves or other parts bend downwards due to faster growth on the upper side.

Example

The epinasty of the leaves made the plant look droopy and unhealthy.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the term epinasty?

No, I haven't. What does it mean?

It's when leaves or flowers bend downwards because of growth on one side.

That sounds interesting! Nature has so many cool ways of moving.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Epinasty → It is formed from "epi-" (meaning upon or over) and "nastia" (from Greek "nastos", meaning to grow or to bend). The word describes a condition where plant parts grow or bend upwards, particularly in response to environmental factors.

Memory Tip

Think of something growing 'upon' ('epi-') and 'bending' ('nastia') upwards — that's what epinasty refers to in plants.

Visually Confused Words