1. The female reproductive part of a flower, consisting of the pistil or pistils.
Usage: botany; also spelled gyneceum
2. In ancient Greek and Roman architecture, the part of a house reserved for women.
Usage: historical; architecture

Examples

• The gynaeceum of the flower contains the ovary, style, and stigma.
• Botanists examine the gynaeceum to classify flowering plants.
• In classical Greek homes, the gynaeceum was typically located on the upper floor.
• The structure of the gynaeceum varies greatly among different plant species.
• Archaeological evidence reveals how the gynaeceum was organized in Roman villas.