serotinous

adjective

se·​rot·​i·​nous sə-ˈrä-tə-nəs How to pronounce serotinous (audio)
sə-ˈrät-nəs;
ˌser-ə-ˈtī-nəs
: remaining closed on the tree with seed dissemination delayed or occurring gradually
serotinous cones
serotiny
sə-ˈrät-nē How to pronounce serotinous (audio)
-ˈrä-tə-
noun

Examples of serotinous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The book pairs those affirmations with personal essays about her childhood, her miscarriages, her kids, and observations about nature, including the way serotinous pinecones only release their seeds in fire. Sophy Chaffee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Jan. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'serotinous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin serotinus coming late, from sero late — more at soiree

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of serotinous was circa 1656

Dictionary Entries Near serotinous

Cite this Entry

“Serotinous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/serotinous. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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