cupule

• Nom désignant une structure en forme de petite coupe, notamment l'involucre dur formé par les bractées à la base du gland ou la ventouse présente sur les pattes de certaines mouches.

A noun referring to a cup-shaped structure, such as the hardened bracts at the base of an acorn, or a sucker on the feet of certain flies.

1. Botanical structureC2formal

   A cup-shaped structure composed of hardened bracts that surrounds the base of an acorn or similar fruit.

   Cupule (structure botanique)

   • The acorn sits securely within its cupule.
   • Botanists study the cupule to understand seed dispersal.
   • The cupule of an oak tree is often rough and scaly.

   Synonymesacorn cupcupinvolucre

2. Zoological structureC2formal

   A small cup-shaped sucker found on the feet of certain insects, such as flies, used for adhesion.

   Ventouse des insectes

   • The fly uses its cupules to cling to smooth surfaces.
   • Under a microscope, the cupules on the insect's feet are clearly visible.
   • These cupules allow the insect to walk upside down on ceilings.