pericycle

noun

peri·​cy·​cle ˈper-ə-ˌsī-kəl How to pronounce pericycle (audio)
: a thin layer of parenchymatous or sclerenchymatous cells that surrounds the stele in most vascular plants
pericyclic
ˌper-ə-ˈsī-klik How to pronounce pericycle (audio) -ˈsi- How to pronounce pericycle (audio)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

French péricycle, from Greek perikyklos spherical, from peri- + kyklos circle — more at wheel

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pericycle was in 1890

Rhymes for pericycle

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Browse Nearby Words

periculous
pericycle
pericyclic
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Cite this Entry

“Pericycle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pericycle. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pericycle

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pericycle

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