anemochory: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “anemochory” mean?
The dispersal of seeds, spores, or other reproductive units by wind.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The dispersal of seeds, spores, or other reproductive units by wind.
The ecological process or adaptation whereby plant diaspores are distributed through the air, often involving specialized structures like wings or plumes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage; spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Purely scientific/technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse, confined to botany, ecology, and related academic fields.
Grammar
How to Use “anemochory” in a Sentence
Noun, typically used as a subject or object in scientific descriptions.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anemochory” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The dandelion's anemochorous adaptations are highly effective.
American English
- The maple has anemochorous seeds with paired samaras.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Used in botany, ecology, and environmental science papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary context; describes a specific seed dispersal strategy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anemochory”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anemochory”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anemochory”
- Misspelling as 'anemochorey' or 'anemochory' (confusing suffix).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'The seeds anemochory').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised scientific term used almost exclusively in botany and ecology.
Yes, common examples include dandelions (Taraxacum), maples (Acer), and pines (Pinus), which have seeds adapted for wind transport.
The adjective is 'anemochorous' (e.g., 'anemochorous seeds').
Other types include zoochory (by animals), hydrochory (by water), barochory (by gravity), and autochory (self-dispersal, often explosive).
The dispersal of seeds, spores, or other reproductive units by wind.
Anemochory is usually technical/scientific in register.
Anemochory: in British English it is pronounced /əˈniːməʊkɔːri/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈniːmoʊˌkɔːri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ANEMO (think 'anemometer' for wind) + CHORY (think 'send' or 'carry') = carried by wind.
Conceptual Metaphor
WIND AS A CARRIER or DISTRIBUTOR.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'anemochory' specifically refer to?