Autocarpic – Definition & Meaning

Autocarpic is a term used in botany to describe a plant that produces fruit from its own flowers without the need for pollination. This process is also known as self-fertile or self-pollinating. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, meaning in different dictionaries, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences of autocarpic.

Definitions

Autocarpic is an adjective that describes plants that are capable of producing fruit from their own flowers. It is derived from the Greek words “auto” meaning self and “karpos” meaning fruit.

Origin

The term autocarpic was first used in the mid-19th century by botanists to describe plants that were capable of self-fertilization. The word is derived from the Greek words “auto” meaning self and “karpos” meaning fruit.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the term autocarpic means “producing fruit from its own flowers without the need for pollination.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines autocarpic as “self-fertile, capable of producing fruit from its own flowers.”

Associations

Autocarpic plants are often associated with self-pollination and asexual reproduction. They are also associated with plants that are able to thrive in environments where pollinators are scarce.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of autocarpic include self-fertile, self-pollinating, and self-fruitful.

Antonyms

Some antonyms of autocarpic include allogamous, cross-pollinated, and cross-fertilized.

The same root words

Some other words that share the same root words as autocarpic include autotrophic, autonomic, and autogenous.

Example Sentences

1. The apple tree in my backyard is autocarpic, so it doesn’t need bees to pollinate it.
2. Autocarpic plants are often able to produce fruit in environments where pollinators are scarce.
3. Some plants are not autocarpic and require cross-pollination to produce fruit.
4. The tomato plant in my garden is self-fertile, which means it is autocarpic.
5. The peach tree in my orchard is capable of producing fruit from its own flowers, making it an autocarpic plant.