calyx

/ˈkeɪlɪks/

Other forms: calyxes; calyces

Definitions of calyx

1. noun

   (botany) the whorl of sepals of a flower collectively forming the outer floral envelope or layer of the perianth enclosing and supporting the developing bud; usually green
   types:

   hull

   persistent enlarged calyx at base of e.g. a strawberry or raspberry

   pappus

   calyx composed of scales or bristles or featherlike hairs in plants of the Compositae such as thistles and dandelions

   thistledown

   pappus of a thistle consisting of silky featherlike hairs attached to the seed-like fruit of a thistle

   type of:

   coil, curl, curlicue, gyre, ringlet, roll, scroll, whorl

   a round shape formed by a series of concentric circles (as formed by leaves or flower petals)