Glossary

Category: V

  • Vaginitis

    Inflammation of the vagina, from irritation or infection. Inflammation of the vagina characterized by pain and a purulent discharge. Inflammation of the vagina, either from simple tissue irritation or from an infection. Inflammation of the vagina, usually resulting from infection. Inflammation of the vagina which is mainly caused by the bacterium Trichomonas vaginalis or by…

  • Vulviform

    Like a cleft with projecting edges [rare term].  

  • Vulnerable

    (In conservation or Red Data lists) threatened in its survival; for precise definition. Likely to catch a disease because of being in a weakened state.  

  • Voucher

    (Herbarium) specimen kept as a reference for a plant which has been used for other purposes (e.g. DNA study, seed trials or medicinal work). In education, a means of financing schools whereby funds are provided to parents who then purchase education for their children in any public or private school. A certificate which may be…

  • Volute

    Rolled up (involute, rolled inwards; revolute, rolled outwards).  

  • Volatile

    (Of secreted oils) quickly evaporating, disappearing. Unstable, evaporates easily, ,is in “volatile oil”. A liquid that changes rapidly and easily into a vapor, as in the case of the evaporation of gasoline, alcohol, or ether. Referring to a liquid which turns into gas at room temperature. Easily vaporized or evaporated. Examples of volatile liquids are…

  • Viviparous

    Viviparous

    Bearing living young; for example, when the seeds germinate on the parent plant or where plantlets are produced from the edges of leaves. Referring to animals which bear live young, such as humans, as opposed to birds and reptiles which lay eggs. Bearing live offspring, not eggs; it is characteristic of most mammals and also…

  • Vittate

    Equipped with vittae (in Amaranthaceae) [unusual term].  

  • Vitta (plural vittae)

    Aromatic oil tubes in the fruit of some Amaranthaceae and Umbelliferae/Apiaceae. The oil-tubes of Umbelliferous fruits.  

  • Viscous

    Glutinous, very sticky. Referring to a liquid which is thick and slow-moving. Adhesive-like; having a relatively high resistance to flow. Sticky, gummy, gelatinous, with high viscosity.