Sepal (noun)

One of the outer protective leaf-like structures of a flower bud that form the calyx.

Origin:

The word 'sepal' comes from the greek word 'sépalon' meaning a cover, and refers to the outer protective leaf-like structures of a flower bud.

Examples:

1. The sepals of the rose served to protect the flower bud before it bloomed.
2. The sepals of the orchid are often brightly colored and help attract pollinators.
3. The sepals of the flower were so small that they went unnoticed by the casual observer.
4. The sepals of the tulip were an important characteristic used by botanists to identify the species.
5. The sepals of the lily were carefully removed before the flower was used in the arrangement.