orthostichy

noun

or·​thos·​ti·​chy

plural -es

: a hypothetical line passing through the bases of leaves or scales situated directly above one another on an axis

also : the arrangement of leaves or scales in such lines compare parastichy, phyllotaxy

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary orth- + Greek stichos row + International Scientific Vocabulary -y

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!