Phyllary
/ˈfɪl.ə.ri/noun
A bract or group of bracts surrounding the flower head of a plant, especially a composite such as a daisy.
Did you know?The word comes from Ancient Greek phýllon, “leaf,” the same ancient root behind botanical foliage and even the word foil.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bhel-
“A root associated with blooming, flourishing, and leaves or foliage.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
phýllon (φύλλον)
“Leaf.”
Late Latin
Latin
phyllarium
“A botanical term formed from Greek phyllon, referring to a leaf-like structure.”
19th Century
Scientific Latin
phyllarium
“A bract or leaf-like structure associated with a flower head.”
Modern English
English
phyllary
“A bract, or set of bracts, surrounding a composite flower head.”