silique

noun

si·​lique sə-ˈlēk How to pronounce silique (audio)
: a narrow elongated 2-valved usually many-seeded capsule that is characteristic of the mustard family, opens by sutures at either margin, and has two parietal placentas

Examples of silique in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An average garlic mustard plant can produce up to 600 tiny seeds, which are arranged in long, narrow capsules called siliques. Dave Taft, New York Times, 11 May 2017

Word History

Etymology

French, from New Latin siliqua, from Latin, pod, husk

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of silique was in 1785

Dictionary Entries Near silique

Cite this Entry

“Silique.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silique. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on silique

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!