caruncle

• Nom désignant un excroissance charnue ou une petite protubérance présente chez certaines plantes ou animaux, par exemple la caroncule des oiseaux ou la structure près du hile de la graine.

A noun referring to a fleshy outgrowth or protuberance found on certain plants or animals, such as a fowl's wattle or a structure near the hilum of seeds.

1. Fleshy outgrowth on animalsC2formal

   A small, fleshy, often brightly colored outgrowth on the head or neck of some birds and other animals, such as a wattle or comb.

   Caroncule

   • The rooster's red caruncle was prominent during the mating display.
   • Turkeys have a distinctive caruncle on their neck.
   • The bird's caruncle changed color when it was excited.

2. Seed outgrowthC2formal

   A fleshy outgrowth near the hilum of certain seeds, often aiding in seed dispersal by attracting animals.

   Excroissance charnue près du hile

   • The caruncle on the castor bean seed is rich in oils.
   • Ants are attracted to the caruncle of some seeds and help disperse them.
   • The seed's caruncle is a key feature for identification.