serotinous

adjective se·rot·i·nous \sə-ˈrät-nəs, -ˈrä-tə-; ˌser-ə-ˈtī-nəs\

Definition of SEROTINOUS

: remaining closed on the tree with seed dissemination delayed or occurring gradually <serotinous cones>

— se·rot·i·ny \sə-ˈrät-nē, -ˈrä-tə-\ noun

Latin serotinus coming late, from sero late — more at soiree

First Known Use: circa 1656

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