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achene

noun
\ ə-ˈkēn How to pronounce achene (audio) \

Definition of achene

: a small dry indehiscent one-seeded fruit (as of a sunflower) developing from a simple ovary and usually having a thin pericarp attached to the seed at only one point

Examples of achene in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Think of the seeds (achenes) on the outside of a berry. — Ellen Nibali, baltimoresun.com, "Garden Q&A: The perfect flower for Fourth of July and misshapen strawberries," 27 June 2019 Think of the seeds (achenes) on the outside of a berry. — Ellen Nibali, baltimoresun.com, "Garden Q&A: The perfect flower for Fourth of July and misshapen strawberries," 27 June 2019

First Known Use of achene

1855, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for achene

borrowed from French achène, akène, borrowed from New Latin achena, from a- a- entry 2 + -chena, feminine noun derivative from the stem of Greek chaínein "to yawn, gape" — more at yawn entry 1

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