calyptra

[kuh-lip-truh]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Botany.

Also called cap.��a hood or hoodlike part, as the lid of the capsule in mosses.
a root cap.

calyptra

/ kəˈlɪptrə, kəˈlɪpˌtreɪt /

noun

a membranous hood covering the spore-bearing capsule of mosses and liverworts
any hoodlike structure, such as a root cap

calyptra

In some bryophyte plants, a structure that covers the young sporophyte as it develops within the tissues of its gametophyte parent. The calyptra, which consists of a thickening of the archegonium walls, eventually breaks open as the spore capsule grows.
See root cap

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Other Word Forms

calyptrate adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of calyptra¹

1745–55; < New Latin < Greek �첹��ý��ٰ�� veil, covering, equivalent to �첹��ý�� ( tein ) to veil, cover + -tra noun suffix

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Word History and Origins

Origin of calyptra¹

C18: from New Latin, from Greek kaluptra hood, from kaluptein to cover

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The ripped-off piece of its birthplace often remains stuck to the top of the sporophyte and is called a calyptra.

From

If not preserved in an envelope the calyptra and operculum are very apt to fall off and become lost.

From

Thallus decumbent, irregularly lobed, 1–2´ long, 3–5´´ wide; involucre none; pedicel ¾–1´ long, sometimes folded upon itself and remaining within the calyptra, the capsule thus appearing sessile; antheridia on elongated receptacles.—Wooded swamps.

From

The calyptra or veil is remarkably small, smooth, and membranous.

From

D, capsules of Bartramia: i, with; ii, without the calyptra.

From

calypsonian calyptrogen

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