epigeal

adjective

epi·​ge·​al ˌe-pi-ˈjē-əl 

variants or less commonly epigean

ˌe-pi-ˈjē-ən 

or epigeous

ˌe-pi-ˈjē-əs 

or epigeic

ˌe-pi-ˈjē-ik 

1

of a cotyledon : forced above ground by elongation of the hypocotyl

2

: marked by the production of epigeal cotyledons

epigeal germination

3

: living on or near the surface of the ground

also : relating to or being the environment near the surface of the ground

Word History

Etymology

Greek epigaios upon the earth, from epi- + gaia earth

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1