petal

¹

[pet-l]

noun

1. one of the often colored segments of the corolla of a flower.

-petal

²

1. a combining form meaning “seeking, moving toward” that specified by the initial element, used in the formation of compound words.

   acropetal.

-petal

¹

combining form

1. seeking

   centripetal

petal

²

/ ˈpɛtəl /

noun

1. any of the separate parts of the corolla of a flower: often brightly coloured

petal

1. One of the often brightly colored parts of a flower surrounding the reproductive organs. Petals are attached to the receptacle underneath the carpels and stamens and may be separate or joined at their bases. As a group, the petals are called the corolla.

2. See more at flower

Other Word Forms

• petalage noun
• petaled adjective
• petalled adjective
• petalless adjective
• petallike adjective
• unpetaled adjective
• unpetalled adjective
• petaline adjective
• petal-like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of petal¹

1695–1705; < New Latin petalum petal, Latin: metal plate < Greek pétalon a thin plate, leaf, noun use of neuter of pétalos spread out, akin to petannýnai to be open, Latin patēre to stand open ( patent )

Origin of petal²

< New Latin -pet ( us ) seeking, derivative of Latin petere to seek + -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of petal¹

from New Latin -petus, from Latin petere to seek

Origin of petal²

C18: from New Latin petalum, from Greek petalon leaf; related to petannunai to lie open

Example Sentences

Now, instead of Mindy Kaling cooing over her petal addiction, we have France deadpanning, “That is the gayest s**t I’ve seen in a long time.”

From Salon

Wait by a jacaranda tree long enough to see a petal flutter to the ground.

From Los Angeles Times

Splurge on handrolled rose petal cones with coconut husk filters for an elevated experience.

From Salon

Becky Bratt from The Petal Bar florist said she had a good weekend for mother's day and Bridgnorth is a relatively affluent area.

From BBC

Today, Haynes tries to replicate 70% of her most popular core patterns such as sunrise travel mugs, petal power vases and flower power butter keepers.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• frond 
• needle 
• stalk