petal
PET-uhl
/ˈpet.əl/
Each of the segment leaves of the corolla of a flower, typically brightly colored to attract pollinators.
Refers to the individual colorful flower leaf designed to attract insects.
The story behind the word. Derived from Greek 'petalon' (outspread leaf or thin sheet), from PIE root *pet- (to spread out or expand). Modern botanists adopted 'petal' in the 18th century to describe the spreading segments of flower heads.
Word relationships
- corolla leaf: Technical anatomical term for an individual flower petal.
Commonly confused with
- sepal: A sepal is the outer green protective leaf that holds the flower bud before it opens; petals are inner colored leaves.
Word family
- petaled (adjective): Having petals (e.g. many-petaled).
- petalous (adjective): Possessing petals.
Collocations
- rose petal
- flower petal
- delicate petal
- petal arrangement
Example sentences
- "A soft rose petal drifted down from the bouquet onto the marble table." Poetic description
- "Insects are drawn to the bright yellow petals of sunflower blossoms." Botanical structure explanation
Memory hook
PETALs PET the air as they bloom and spread open. Colorful flower leaf.
When not to use
Do not confuse 'petal' with 'pedal' (foot lever) or 'peddle' (to sell goods).
Fun facts
- Some floral petals reflect ultraviolet light patterns completely invisible to humans but brightly clear to bees!
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