calyx
Syllabification: (ca·lyx)
Pronunciation: /ˈkāliks, ˈkal-/
(also calix)
Definition of calyx
noun ( plural calyces /ˈkāləˌsēz, ˈkal-/ or calyxes)
- 1 Botany the sepals of a flower, typically forming a whorl that encloses the petals and forms a protective layer around a flower in bud. Compare with corolla.
Origin:
late 17th century: from Latin, from Greek kalux 'case of a bud, husk', related to kaluptein 'to hide'