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stigma
Definition
The stigma is the part of a flower that receives pollen. It is usually a sticky, feathery structure that is located at the top of the pistil. The pollen grains stick to the stigma, and then they germinate and grow a pollen tube. The pollen tube travels down the style and into the ovary, where it fertilises the ovules.
How can the word be used?
The stigma of the flower is sticky, which helps to catch pollen from visiting insects.
Different forms of the word
Noun: stigma (plural: stigmata).
Adjective: stigmatize.
Verb: to stigmatize.
Etymology
The word "stigma" comes from the Greek word "στίγμα", which means "mark" or "brand". It was first used in English in the 16th century.
The word "stigmatize" means "to mark with a stigma" or "to brand with shame".
Question
What does the stigma of the flower do?