Hepaticae

plural noun

He·​pat·​i·​cae

|əˌsē

: a class of Bryophyta comprising the liverworts and being distinguished from Musci by the presence of a usually thalloid gametophyte that is not produced from a protonema, unicellular rhizoids and elaters, and antheridia and archegonia that are borne on the thallus and produce a short-lived and simple sporophyte compare anthocerotales , jungermanniales , marchantiales , sphaerocarpales

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Medieval Latin hepaticae, plural of hepatica liverwort

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now