| plant transpiration | The loss of water vapor by plants to the atmosphere. It occurs mainly from the leaves through pores (stomata) whose primary function is gas exchange. The water is replaced by a continuous column of water moving upwards from the roots within the xylem vessels. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| plant tumours | A localised proliferation of plant tissue forming a swelling or outgrowth, commonly with a characteristic shape and unlike any organ of the normal plant. Plant tumours or galls usually form in response to the action of a pathogen or a pest. (12 Dec 1998) |
| plant viruses | Viruses parasitic on plants higher than bacteria. (12 Dec 1998) |
| plant-cane | A stalk or shoot of sugar cane of the first growth from the cutting. The growth of the second and following years is of inferior quality, and is called rattoon. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| plant-eating | Eating, or subsisting on, plants; as, a plant-eating beetle. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| planta | Synonym: sole. Origin: L. (05 Mar 2000) |
| planta pedis | The inferior aspect or bottom of the foot, much of which is in contact with the ground when standing; it is covered with hairless, usually nonpigmented skin that is especially thickened and provided with epidermal ridges over the weight-bearing areas. Synonym: planta pedis, regio plantaris. (05 Mar 2000) |
| plantable | Capable of being planted; fit to be planted. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| plantage | A word used once by Shakespeare to designate plants in general, or anything that is planted. "As true as steel, as plantage to the moon." (Shak. (Troil. Iii. Sc. 2)) Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| plantago | Three different species of plantago or plantain, p. Psyllium, p. Ovata and p. Indica. The seeds swell in water and are used as laxatives. (12 Dec 1998) |
| plantago ovata coating | The separated outer mucilaginous layers of Plantago ovata seeds; used in simple constipation associated with lack of sufficient bulk. (05 Mar 2000) |
| plantago seed | The cleaned, dried ripe seed of Plantago indica or of P. Ovata. A mild cathartic that acts by absorbing water and providing indigestible mucilaginous bulk for the intestines. Must not be used in intestinal obstruction. Synonym: plantago seed, plantain seed. (05 Mar 2000) |
| plantain | 1. <botany> A treelike perennial herb (Musa paradisiaca) of tropical regions, bearing immense leaves and large clusters of the fruits called plantains. See Musa. 2. The fruit of this plant. It is long and somewhat cylindrical, slightly curved, and, when ripe, soft, fleshy, and covered with a thick but tender yellowish skin. The plantain is a staple article of food in most tropical countries, especially when cooked. <zoology> Plantain cutter, or Plantain eater, a Java squirrel (Sciurus plantani) which feeds upon plantains. <botany> Plantain tree, the treelike herb Musa paradisiaca. See def. 1 (above). Origin: Cf. F. Plantain-arbre, plantanier, Sp. Plantano, platano; prob. Same word as plane tree. <botany> Any plant of the genus Plantago, but especially the P. Major, a low herb with broad spreading radical leaves, and slender spikes of minute flowers. It is a native of Europe, but now found near the abode of civilized man in nearly all parts of the world. Indian plantain. <botany> See Indian. Mud plantain, a homely North American aquatic plant (Heteranthera reniformis), having broad, reniform leaves. Rattlesnake plantain, an orchidaceous plant (Goodyera pubescens), with the leaves blotched and spotted with white. Ribwort plantain. See Ribwort. Robin's plantain, the Erigeron bellidifolium, a common daisylike plant of North America. Water plantain, a plant of the genus Alisma, having acrid leaves, and formerly regarded as a specific against hydrophobia. Origin: F, fr. L. Plantago. Cf. Plant. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| plantain seed | The cleaned, dried ripe seed of Plantago indica or of P. Ovata. A mild cathartic that acts by absorbing water and providing indigestible mucilaginous bulk for the intestines. Must not be used in intestinal obstruction. Synonym: plantago seed, plantain seed. (05 Mar 2000) |
| plantal | Belonging to plants; as, plantal life. Origin: L. Planta a plant. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |