exciple

noun

ex·​ci·​ple
ˈeksəpəl
variants or less commonly excipule
-ˌpyül
plural -s
: a saucer-shaped rim around the hymenium of various lichens formed (1) from the hypothecium or (2) from the upper layer of the thallus

called also respectively 1proper exciple, 2thalloid exciple

Word History

Etymology

New Latin excipulum, from Latin, a kind of vessel, from excipere

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near exciple

Cite this Entry

“Exciple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exciple. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!