Search Dictionary
Definition of pistil

pistil

/ˈpɪs.təl/
pis · til
Plural:pistils
•
Adjective:pistillate
JUMP TO:

pistil Lexical Profile

pistil Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The female reproductive organ of a flower, typically located in the center and consisting of an ovary, a style, and a stigma.

Example

"Pollen grains must land on the sticky tip of the pistil for fertilization to take place."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for pistil

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'pistil' (the female reproductive organ of a flower) with its homophone 'pistol' (a small handheld firearm).

• Rhymes for pistil

• Nearby Words

pissy
pistachio
piste
pistil
pistol
piston
pistou

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 18th century from French 'pistil', from Latin 'pistillum' meaning 'pestle' (diminutive of 'pilum'), so named because of the floral organ's resemblance to the club-shaped tool used with a mortar.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pistil. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pistil
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.