Peduncle

Origin

From Late Latin pedunculus, from Latin pedis, genitive of pēs, a ‘foot’

Full definition of peduncle

Noun

1. (botany) The axis of an inflorescence; the stalk supporting an inflorescence.
2. (botany) A short stalk at the base of a leaf or reproductive structure.
• Schuster Hepaticae V|5On fertilization, the archegonia form obyriform calyptrae that are distinctly narrowed at base to form a stalk or peduncle; this does not occur in other Hepaticae.
3. (anatomy) A bundle of neurons connecting different parts of the brain.
4. (anatomy) In arthropods, the base segments of an antenna.
5. (anatomy) A stem attaching a mass of tissue (such as a polyp) to the body.
6. (zoology) A collection of nerves in the appendage of an animal (such as the tip of a dolphin's tail).

Related terms

• pedicel