trichome
(ˈtrɪ-, ˈtraɪkəʊm)
[ad. Gr. τρίχωµα (see trichoma); cf. caulome.]
1. Bot. The general name for any outgrowth of the epidermis or superficial tissue of a plant, as hairs, scales, prickles, etc.
| 1875 Bennett & Dyer tr. Sachs' Bot. 129 We may term all appendages of other parts which originate as outgrowths of epidermis-cells, whatever their form and function, Hairs (Trichomes). Thus the so-called paleæ and sporangia of Ferns are trichomes. 1876 Encycl. Brit. IV. 90/1 Hairs, scales, prickles, &c.,..all have been embraced under the general name trichome. |
2. Ent. In myrmecophilous insects, a tuft of hairs near a gland producing a secretion attractive to ants.
| 1911 E. Jacobson in Tijdschr. Ent. LIV. 177 The bug possesses a very curious tuft of yellow hair (a trichome) which apparently secretes some substance with a flavour agreeable to the ants. 1923 W. M. Wheeler Social Life among Insects v. 227 The trichomes surround the openings of singular glands, the aromatic, volatile secretions of which..are licked off by the ants. 1971 E. O. Wilson Insect Societies (1972) xx. 390/2 The Cremastocheilus adults are furnished with tufts of golden hairs (‘trichomes’) at the anterior and posterior corners of the thorax. |