Corolla

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/kəˈroʊ.lə/ (American English), /kɒˈrɒ.lə/ (British English)

Definitions

• The collective petals of a flower, typically forming a whorl within the sepals and surrounding the reproductive organs.
• A major part of the flower’s structure that often serves to attract pollinators.

Usage Examples

• "The vibrant corolla of the rose attracted several bees."
• "The flower's corolla was unusually large, helping it stand out in the garden."

Etymology

Derived from Latin "corolla," meaning "little crown" or "garland," a diminutive of "corona," meaning "crown."

Synonyms

• Flower petals
• Floral whorl
• Blossom

Antonyms

• Sepals
• Bracts
• Leaf structures

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In American English, the "r" in "corolla" is pronounced more prominently, while in British English, the "r" is often softer or omitted.

Historical Usage

The term "corolla" has been used in botanical texts since the early 18th century to describe the collective petals of a flower.

Cultural Nuances

The word "corolla" is often associated with nature and botanical studies. It is also famously used as the name of a popular automobile brand, Toyota Corolla, which metaphorically symbolizes beauty and reliability.

More Information

The corolla is a crucial part of a flower’s reproductive system. It helps in attracting pollinators through its color and shape, playing a key role in plant reproduction. Different flowers have corollas of varying structures, including tubular, bell-shaped, and funnel-shaped designs.