tendril

/ˈtɛndrəl/

/ˈtɛndrɪl/

Other forms: tendrils

Plants don't have arms or tentacles, but they have something a tiny bit similar: tendrils. Tendrils are thin organs of plants that wrap around other objects for support.

Tendrils are very thin, stem-like appendages that stretch outward from the plant. The main purpose of the tendrils is to support the plant: the tendrils wrap around objects (like a post or fence) to help keep the plant upright, which helps it receive sunlight. Tendrils are an example of how, even without a brain, plants are pretty smart.

Definitions of tendril

1. noun

   slender stem-like structure by which some twining plants attach themselves to an object for support
   types:

   cirrhus, cirrus

   usually coiled

   type of:

   plant part, plant structure

   any part of a plant or fungus
2. noun

   something long, light, slender, and often curling
   type of:

   round shape

   a shape that is curved and without sharp angles