Definition

A group of pollen grains that stick together, usually found in certain flowers like orchids and milkweeds, and often attached to insects for pollination.

Example

The bee collected the pollinium from the orchid as it moved from flower to flower.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a pollinium?

I think I saw something about it in a documentary on orchids.

Yeah, it's fascinating how they stick to insects for pollination.

Right? It's amazing how nature has these clever systems.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pollinium is derived from the Latin word "pollin" (meaning pollen) combined with the suffix "-ium" (a suffix used in chemistry to denote a substance). The term refers to a mass of pollen grains that are often found in certain plants, particularly orchids, which can be transferred as a unit during pollination.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pollen' as the substance involved in plant reproduction, and remember that 'pollinium' refers to a specific mass of pollen that acts as a unit.

Visually Confused Words