1. the part of a plant embryo or seedling below the cotyledons and above the root
Usage: botanical

Examples

• The hypocotyl elongates as the seedling emerges from the soil.
• In some plants, the hypocotyl lifts the cotyledons above ground during germination.
• The botanist measured the length of each seedling’s hypocotyl.
• Damage to the hypocotyl can prevent proper seedling development.
• The hypocotyl connects the stem and root systems in young plants.
• Students examined the hypocotyl under a microscope in biology class.