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phyllotaxis

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /fɪlˈoʊtæksɪs/

KK: /fɪlˈoʊtæksɪs/

noun
Definition

The way leaves are arranged on a plant stem, following specific patterns or rules.


Example

The phyllotaxis of the sunflower shows a beautiful spiral pattern.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of phyllotaxis?
Sloth B
No, what is it?
Sloth A
It's the way leaves are arranged on a stem; it's really fascinating!
Sloth B
That sounds interesting! I’d love to learn more about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
arrangement
pattern
configuration
Antonyms
disorder
chaos
randomness
Root Explanation

Phyllotaxis → It is formed from "phyllon" (φύλλον) (meaning leaf) and "taxis" (τάξις) (meaning arrangement or order). The word describes the arrangement of leaves on a plant stem.

Memory Tip

Imagine leaves ('phyllon') arranged in a specific order ('taxis') on a plant — that's what phyllotaxis means.

Visually Confused Words
hypotaxis
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