trich·ome (tr k  m , tr km)n. A hairlike or bristlelike outgrowth, as from the epidermis of a plant. [Greek trikh ma, growth of hair, from trikhoun, to cover with hair, from thrix, trikh-, hair.]tri·chom ic (tr-k mk, -kmk, tr-) adj. |
trichome [ˈtraɪkəʊm ˈtrɪk-]
n
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Botany) any hairlike outgrowth from the surface of a plant
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Botany) any of the threadlike structures that make up the filaments of blue-green algae
[from Greek trikhōma, from trikhoun to cover with hair, from thrix a hair]
trichomic [trɪˈkɒmɪk] adj
| trichome (trkm, trkm) One of the hairlike or bristlelike outgrowths on the epidermis of a plant. Trichomes serve a variety of functions, depending on their location. As root hairs (and as leaf hairs in epiphytes), trichomes absorb water and minerals. As leaf hairs, they reflect radiation, lower plant temperature, and reduce water loss. They also provide defense against insects. |
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