Abaxial surface

Pronunciation
/ab-AK-see-al sur-face/
Category
Anatomy
Singular
Abaxial surface
Plural
Abaxial surfaces

Definition

The underside or lower surface of a structure, typically referring to a leaf or similar structure in botany and sometimes used to describe the lower surface of an insect's wing.

Etymology

From Latin 'ab-', meaning 'away from', and 'axial', meaning 'relating to the axis'.

Example

The abaxial surface of the dragonfly's wing is covered with fine hairs that help with flight.

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