Definition

Describing something that is turned outward or away from the center or axis, often used in botany to refer to parts of a plant that face outward.

Example

The extrorse anthers of the flower release pollen into the air.

Conversation

Have you ever noticed how some flowers have extrorse anthers?

Yeah, it makes them look really unique when they bloom.

Exactly! I love how they face outward and attract more pollinators.

Definitely, it's interesting how nature has its own designs.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Extrorse → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out) and "torse" (from Latin "torere", meaning to twist). The word describes something that twists outward or away from the center.

Memory Tip

Think of something that twists "out" ('ex-') from a center point — that's why extrorse means turning outward.

Visually Confused Words