STENOPHYLLOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Stenophyllous is an adjective that refers to a specific characteristic exhibited by certain plant species. Derived from the Greek words "stenos," meaning narrow, and "phyllon," meaning leaf, stenophyllous describes plants that have narrow or small leaves in relation to their size or growth habit.
Typically, stenophyllous plants possess leaves with constrained width and length, often appearing linear or needle-like. This adaptation enables them to thrive in environments where water availability is limited, such as arid or xeric regions, or in habitats with extreme climate conditions such as deserts or high-altitude mountains. By reducing the surface area of their leaves, stenophyllous plants minimize water loss through evaporation, helping them to conserve moisture and endure in challenging surroundings.
Stenophyllous plants often display other characteristics that aid their survival in resource-limited ecosystems, such as deep root systems that reach water sources buried beneath the surface, or specialized photosynthetic mechanisms, like CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism), that allow them to fix carbon dioxide during the night and minimize water loss during the day. These adaptations allow stenophyllous species to occupy niche habitats that may be unsuitable or inhospitable for plants with a broader leaf structure.
Overall, the defining trait of stenophyllous plants lies in their ability to adapt to arid or extreme conditions by developing narrow, reduced leaves. This feature represents an evolutionary strategy that enhances their resilience and ability to withstand environmental challenges.
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In bot. having narrow leaves.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for STENOPHYLLOUS
- ztenophyllous
- xtenophyllous
- dtenophyllous
- etenophyllous
- wtenophyllous
- srenophyllous
- sfenophyllous
- sgenophyllous
- syenophyllous
- s6enophyllous
- s5enophyllous
- stwnophyllous
- stsnophyllous
- stdnophyllous
- strnophyllous
- st4nophyllous
- st3nophyllous
- stebophyllous
- stemophyllous
- stejophyllous
Etymology of STENOPHYLLOUS
The word stenophyllous is derived from two Greek roots: stenos meaning narrow or strict, and phyllon meaning leaf.
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