Definition

Describing organisms or structures that do not have a system of vessels for transporting fluids, such as plants that lack xylem and phloem.

Example

Mosses are considered nonvascular plants because they do not have specialized tissues for water and nutrient transport.

Conversation

Did you know that mosses are nonvascular plants?

Really? I always thought they were similar to other plants.

Nope, they're quite different because they lack a vascular system.

That's so interesting! I should read more about plants.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nonvascular → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "vascular" (from Latin "vasculum", meaning vessel). The word "nonvascular" refers to organisms or structures that do not have vessels for transporting fluids, such as water and nutrients.

Memory Tip

Think of 'non-' meaning 'not' and 'vascular' relating to 'vessels' — so nonvascular means not having vessels.

Visually Confused Words