US /pəˈlɔɹiə/ UK /pɛˈlɔːriə/
noun

Meanings

  1. 1
    noun

    the abnormal development of radial symmetry in a flower that is normally bilaterally symmetrical

    The snapdragon displayed peloria when its normally irregular flower developed a regular radial form.

Thesaurus

Synonyms
1 noun · the abnormal development of... abnormal radial symmetrypelorism
Word family
Derived forms peloricpelorianpelorized
Related forms actinomorphyzygomorphyfloral symmetry

Etymology

From New Latin peloria, based on Greek pelor, 'monster or prodigy.' Botanists adopted the term for a striking departure from a species' normal floral symmetry, especially when an irregular flower becomes radially regular.

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