vernation
(vəˈneɪʃən)
[In sense 1 ad. mod.L. vernātiō (Linnæus), f. L. vernāre: see vernant a. (So F. vernation.) In sense 2 directly f. L. vernāt-, ppl. stem of vernāre.]
1. Bot. The arrangement or formation of the leaves of plants or fronds of ferns in the bud; the manner in which the rudimentary or unexpanded leaves are disposed; prefoliation.
| 1793 Martyn Lang. Bot., Foliatio, foliation, vernation, or leafing. 1829 Lindley Syn. Brit. Flora 88 Prunus, vernation convolute. Ibid., Cerasus, vernation conduplicate. 1830 ― Nat. Syst. Bot. 157 The vernation of both the calyx and petals. 1857 P. H. Gosse Omphalos 131 The green and leafy arches were once coiled up in a circinate vernation. 1882 Vines Sachs' Bot. 428 The leaves of Ferns are usually characterised by a circinate vernation. |
2. Vegetable growth or development, as characteristic of the spring. Now Obs. or rare.
| 1827 H. Steuart Planter's G. (1828) 320 The season of vernation erelong will come on, the leaves will be enlarged, and assume a far deeper and more lively green. 1867 A. L. Adams Wand. Nat. India 68 From the earliest appearance of Vernation in March up to the end of May. 1929 S. Leslie Anglo-Catholic x. 121 In the vernation of the year Edward felt the old desire for the earth, a renewed longing to labour and drive the plough. |