Meaning & use
trichoms
Last updated
“trichoms” is a form of “trichome”.
Meaning
nounpluraltechnicalbiology
Very small hair-like growths on the surface of a plant that help protect it or reduce water loss.
Grammar: This is the plural form; the singular is 'trichome'. It is a technical term used mainly in biology.
Patterns
- trichomes on a plant
- leaf trichomes
- dense trichomes
The leaves are covered with tiny trichomes that give them a fuzzy texture.
Scientists study trichomes to understand how plants defend themselves against insects.
Under the microscope, the trichomes looked like small spikes.
Word forms
| singular | trichome |
|---|
Common combinations
- leaf trichomes
- Leaf trichomes can trap moisture and reflect sunlight.
- plant trichomes
- Plant trichomes often secrete oils that repel pests.
- dense trichomes
- The dense trichomes on the stem make it feel rough.
- glandular trichomes
- Glandular trichomes produce sticky substances.
Synonyms and how they differ
- plant hairs
- A common everyday term for the same thing; use it in general writing instead of the technical 'trichomes'.
- leaf hairs
- Similar but specifically on leaves; 'trichomes' can be on any plant part.
Word family
- trichome noun
- The singular form, referring to one such structure.
Practice
The botanist observed that the ______ on the stem were responsible for reducing water loss.
Choose one answer.
The plural 'trichomes' is needed because the sentence refers to multiple structures. 'Trichome' is singular and would not agree with 'were'. 'Trichomes'' is possessive, and 'trichomatic' is not a word.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “trichoms”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.