carpel

noun

car·​pel ˈkär-pəl How to pronounce carpel (audio)
: one of the ovule-bearing structures in an angiosperm that comprises the innermost whorl of a flower compare pistil
carpellary
ˈkär-pə-ˌler-ē How to pronounce carpel (audio)
adjective
carpellate
ˈkär-pə-ˌlāt How to pronounce carpel (audio)
-lət
adjective

Examples of carpel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The carpel protects the ovules, as the fruit later protects the seed. — Discover Magazine, 29 June 2010 The carpel grabs the pollen and transfers it to a chamber called an ovary, where seeds develop. — Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, 26 May 2021 When petals are gone, structural carpels, the center seed-bearing structure, are shown off. — Johanna Silver, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2020 Flowers are built from parts named sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels, which are arranged in whorls. — Dhananjay Khadilkar, Ars Technica, 24 Feb. 2023 Her hypochondriac and pregnant mother, Alli Mauzey, is more invested in her recent carpel tunnel surgery than her daughter’s increasing demise. — Jeryl Brunner, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin carpellum, from Greek karpos fruit

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of carpel was in 1835

Rhymes for carpel

See All Rhymes for carpel

Browse Nearby Words

carpe diem
carpel
carpellary
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Carpel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carpel. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

carpel

noun
car·​pel ˈkär-pəl How to pronounce carpel (audio)
: one of the structures deep inside a flower that together make up the ovary of a flowering plant

More from Merriam-Webster on carpel

Nglish: Translation of carpel for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about carpel

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