: a floral spike with a fleshy or succulent axis usually enclosed in a spathe

Illustration of spadix

Illustration of spadix
  • 1 spadix

Examples of spadix 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.
The flower’s tall spadix, or collection of tiny flowers shaped into a spike, also produces heat to propel the odor further and attract more pollinators. Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 July 2023 The plant's long central stalk, called a spadix, had been growing by a few inches a day since the beginning of March in preparation for the bloom, finally reaching more than 60 inches in height when the fleshy, dark red leaf around its base eventually unfurled on the 18th. Veronique Greenwood, Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2012

Word History

Etymology

New Latin spadic-, spadix, from Latin, frond torn from a palm tree, from Greek spadik-, spadix, from span to draw, pull

First Known Use

circa 1752, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spadix was circa 1752

Dictionary Entries Near spadix

Cite this Entry

“Spadix.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spadix. Accessed 1 Jan. 2025.

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