petal

UK: ˈpet(ə)l | US: ˈpet(ə)l

Definition

  1. n. A delicate, colored, leaf-like part of a flower, typically arranged in a whorl within the corolla.

Structure
petal <leaf-like part>
Etymology

The word "petal" traces back to the Greek petalon, meaning "leaf" or "thin plate." This reflects the delicate, flattened structure of petals in flowers. The term entered English via Latin (petalum) and Old French (petale), retaining its core botanical meaning. The Greek root petal- also appears in scientific terms like "petaloid" (resembling a petal).

Examples

  1. The rose’s red petals fell softly to the ground.

  2. Each petal of the sunflower is bright yellow.

  3. She pressed a cherry blossom petal between the pages of her book.

  4. The wind scattered the tulip petals across the garden.

  5. The orchid’s petals had intricate purple patterns.