trichome
A fine outgrowth, such as a hair or glandular stalk, from the epidermis of a plant.
Noun
pl: trichomes
This term is primarily used in botanical and biological contexts to describe specialized epidermal appendages. It carries a technical, scientific register and is rarely encountered in casual conversation unless discussing plant anatomy, agriculture, or pharmacology.
Because trichomes can be either simple hairs or complex glandular structures that secrete resins and oils, the word encompasses a wide range of biological functions, from defense against herbivores to the regulation of transpiration and temperature.
Meanings
Examples
The leaf surface is covered in a dense layer of trichomes to prevent water loss.
Look through the microscope to see the glandular trichome on the stem.
These trichomes act as a physical barrier against small insects.
I wonder if the trichome density varies between the two species.
The plant secretes sticky resins from its trichomes to trap pests.
Is this a non-glandular trichome or a secretory one?
The silver appearance of the foliage is caused by tiny reflective trichomes.
The silver appearance of the foliage is caused by tiny reflective trichomes.
A single trichome can be barely visible to the naked eye.
Related Words
epidermiscuticlestomaleafstemrootpollenpetalsepalchlorophyllcellcytoplasmvacuolemembranewallcelluloseligninpectinmucilageresinterpenecannabinoidessential oilglandsecretoryexudatepubescenceglaucoustomentosevilloushispidscabrousciliatepapillafilamentbristlespinethornpricklestamenpistilovarystigmastyleantherpollen tubephotosynthesistranspirationevaporationcondensationosmosisdiffusionturgorplasmolysisherbivoreinsectpestdefenseprotectioninsulationreflectanceabsorptionmicroscopemagnificationbotanymorphologyanatomyhistologytaxonomyspeciesgenusfamilyorderclassphylumkingdomangiospermgymnospermpteridophytebryophytevascular bundlexylemphloemcambium