trichome: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “trichome” mean?
A small hair or hairlike outgrowth from the epidermis of a plant, algae, lichen, or certain protists.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small hair or hairlike outgrowth from the epidermis of a plant, algae, lichen, or certain protists.
In botany and microbiology, any of the various types of filamentous or glandular epidermal appendages that serve functions including protection, secretion, and absorption. In some contexts, can refer to similar hair-like structures on certain microorganisms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Purely technical/scientific term with no regional connotations.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse, identical in specialized fields across regions.
Grammar
How to Use “trichome” in a Sentence
The [plant part] is covered in dense trichomes.Researchers studied the [function] of the glandular trichomes.Trichomes serve to [purpose].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “trichome” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The cannabis cultivar was prized for its exceptionally dense covering of resinous trichomes.
- Under the microscope, the stinging nettle's trichomes revealed their needle-like structure.
American English
- The tomato plant's sticky trichomes help trap small insects.
- Glandular trichomes on the mint leaf are responsible for producing its essential oils.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in agribusiness or cannabis industry reports discussing crop characteristics.
Academic
Standard term in botany, plant physiology, and pharmacognosy (study of medicinal plants).
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Precise term for hair-like plant structures; crucial in plant identification, cannabis cultivar description, and research on plant defense mechanisms.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “trichome”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “trichome”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “trichome”
- Using 'hair' instead of 'trichome' in scientific writing.
- Pronouncing it /trɪˈtʃoʊm/ (like 'trick' + 'home').
- Misspelling as 'trichrome' (which relates to colour).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In casual terms, yes, but 'trichome' is the precise scientific term encompassing all types of epidermal outgrowths on plants, algae, etc., including structures that may not look like simple hairs (e.g., scale-like or glandular structures).
The psychoactive and medicinal compounds (like THC and CBD) in cannabis are produced and stored primarily in the glandular trichomes, especially the capitate-stalked type. Their abundance and maturity directly correlate with the plant's potency.
Yes, the term is also used in microbiology for certain hair-like structures on cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and some protists.
Both are hair-like epidermal outgrowths, but 'trichome' generally refers to structures on aerial parts (stems, leaves). 'Root hair' is a specific term for tubular outgrowths from root epidermal cells that aid in water and nutrient absorption.
A small hair or hairlike outgrowth from the epidermis of a plant, algae, lichen, or certain protists.
Trichome is usually technical / scientific in register.
Trichome: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtrɪk.əʊm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtraɪ.koʊm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'TRI' (three) + 'CHOME' (sounds like 'comb') – imagine a tiny three-pronged comb-like hair on a plant.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLANT HAIR IS ARMOUR / PLANT HAIR IS A FACTORY (for glandular types that secrete compounds).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of glandular trichomes in many aromatic plants like mint or lavender?