Achene

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /əˈkiːn/

Alternative forms

• achaenium, achenium, achenocarp
• alternative spelling akene

Origin

From French akène and its source, Latin achena, from Ancient Greek ἀ- ("a-") + χαίνω (chainō, "to gape").

Full definition of achene

Noun

1. (botany) A small, dry, indehiscent fruit, containing a single seed, as in the buttercup.

Usage notes

Early botanists referred to achenes as naked seeds.