cultivar
KUL-tih-var
/ˈkʌltɪvɑːr/
A plant variety that has been produced in cultivation by selective breeding.
A cultivar is distinct from a botanical 'variety' which occurs naturally in the wild.
The story behind the word. The term was proposed by Liberty Hyde Bailey in 1923 as a portmanteau of 'cultivated' and 'variety.' It was created to clarify the difference between nature's work and the farmer's work.
Word relationships
- strain: Strain is more commonly used for bacteria or viruses, while cultivar is specific to plants.
- wildling: A plant that grows spontaneously in the wild without human intervention.
Commonly confused with
- variety: In botany, a variety is a naturally occurring sub-group; a cultivar is man-made.
Word family
- cultivate (verb): To prepare and use land for crops or gardening.
Collocations
- new cultivar
- resistant cultivar
- cultivar development
Example sentences
- "This specific apple cultivar was bred for its crisp texture and resistance to common orchard pests." Gardening guide for professionals.
- "The country’s wine industry relies on a unique cultivar of grape that thrives in volcanic soil." Agricultural export report.
Memory hook
CULTIvated VARiety = CULTIVAR. The farmer's variety.
When not to use
Do not use for wild plants that haven't been altered by human selection.
Fun facts
- There are over 7,500 known cultivars of apples worldwide.
Related words
Also appears in
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