sieve tube: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2technical, academic
Quick answer
What does “sieve tube” mean?
A conducting element in the phloem of vascular plants, consisting of a series of elongated cells (sieve elements) joined end-to-end, through which nutrients (especially sucrose) are transported.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A conducting element in the phloem of vascular plants, consisting of a series of elongated cells (sieve elements) joined end-to-end, through which nutrients (especially sucrose) are transported.
The structure forms a continuous, living pipeline for the flow of sap. Each cell has perforated end walls (sieve plates) and is typically associated with companion cells that regulate its function.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Pronunciation may vary slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both UK and US English, confined to botany and plant physiology contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “sieve tube” in a Sentence
The sieve tube [verb: transports/conducts/carries] nutrients.Sieve tubes are found in the [noun: phloem].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sieve tube” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- sieve-tube member
- sieve-tube sap
American English
- sieve-tube member
- sieve-tube element
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Core terminology in plant biology, physiology, and agriculture studies.
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Essential term in botany, horticulture, forestry, and related scientific writing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sieve tube”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sieve tube”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sieve tube”
- Mispronouncing 'sieve' as /saɪv/ (like 'five') instead of /sɪv/.
- Using it as a countable noun for a single cell rather than the structure (prefer 'sieve element' for the cell).
- Confusing its location (phloem) with xylem.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, sieve tube elements are living cells at functional maturity, although they lack a nucleus and some organelles to facilitate flow.
Sieve tubes transport organic nutrients (e.g., sucrose) in the phloem. Xylem vessels transport water and inorganic minerals upwards from the roots; they are made of dead cells.
Sieve plates are the perforated end walls that connect individual sieve elements, forming a continuous tube. They allow the flow of sap while potentially helping to regulate it and seal the tube if damaged.
No, it is a highly specialised botanical term. In everyday contexts, you would simply refer to 'the plant's food transport system' or similar.
A conducting element in the phloem of vascular plants, consisting of a series of elongated cells (sieve elements) joined end-to-end, through which nutrients (especially sucrose) are transported.
Sieve tube is usually technical, academic in register.
Sieve tube: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪv ˌtjuːb/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪv ˌtuːb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a kitchen sieve with holes; a sieve tube is like a microscopic plant 'pipe' with sieve-like plates that let sap flow through.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PIPELINE or CONVEYOR BELT for food within the plant.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a sieve tube?