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monocotyledon

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˌmɒnəˈkɒtɪˌliːdən/

KK: /ˈmɒnəˌkɒtɪˌliːdən/

noun
Definition

A type of flowering plant that has one seed leaf, known as a cotyledon, in its seeds. These plants often have leaves with parallel veins and include species like grasses and orchids.


Example

Grasses and lilies are examples of monocotyledons, which are known for their unique seed structure.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you know that a monocotyledon is a type of flowering plant?
Sloth B
Really? I always thought they were just called 'monocots'.
Sloth A
Yeah, they include plants like grasses and lilies, pretty interesting!
Sloth B
That is cool! I should look up more about them.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
monocot
liliopsid
herbaceous
Antonyms
dicotyledon
angiosperm
gymnosperm
Root Explanation

Monocotyledon is formed from "mono-" (meaning one) and "cotyledon" (from Greek "kotyledon", meaning seed leaf). The term describes a group of flowering plants that have one seed leaf or cotyledon in their seeds.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mono-' meaning one, and 'cotyledon' referring to a seed leaf — this helps you remember that a monocotyledon has one seed leaf.

Visually Confused Words
cotyledon
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