Fruits are one of the most important components of our diet. They are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients that keep us healthy. However, not all fruits are created equal. Some fruits are classified as accessory fruits. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of accessory fruit.
Definitions
An accessory fruit is a type of fruit that develops from a part of the plant other than the ovary. In other words, it is a fruit that has other plant parts besides the ovary that contribute to its formation. These plant parts can include the receptacle, the calyx, or the stem.
Origin
The concept of accessory fruit was first introduced by botanists in the 19th century. It was a way to classify fruits based on their developmental origins.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an accessory fruit is “a fruit (such as the apple, strawberry, or pineapple) that is derived from a flower with an inferior ovary and that usually consists of a fleshy enlarged receptacle with the seeds on its surface.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines an accessory fruit as “a fruit in which the fleshy part is derived not only from the ovary but also from other floral parts, such as the receptacle.”
Associations
Accessory fruits are often associated with fleshy fruits that we commonly consume, such as apples, strawberries, and pineapples. They are also associated with angiosperms, which are flowering plants that produce seeds enclosed in an ovary.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of accessory fruit include:
- False fruit.
- Pseudocarp.
- Syconus.
- Multiple fruit.
Antonyms
The antonym of accessory fruit is simple fruit, which is a fruit that develops solely from the ovary of a flower.
The same root words
The root words of accessory fruit are “accessory” and “fruit.” Accessory means something that is additional or supplementary, while fruit refers to the mature ovary of a flowering plant.
Example Sentences
- The strawberry is an example of an accessory fruit because it develops from the receptacle and not just the ovary.
- The apple is another example of an accessory fruit because it develops from the receptacle and the calyx.
- The pineapple is a type of accessory fruit that develops from the stem and the flowers of the plant.