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DictionarybollSeed capsule
noun

boll

BOHL/bəʊl/

The rounded seed capsule of cotton or flax.

The cotton boll splits open to reveal its soft white fibers.

A close-up cotton branch bearing a rounded green seed capsule and a mature split boll, with white cotton emerging between the opened capsule walls.
Etymology
bollOld Englishbowl, cup, round vessel

Old English bolla named a rounded container, an image later applied to the round seed capsule of cotton or flax. A merger with a Dutch word for a round object reinforced this shape-based meaning.

More examples

  • Dry bolls remain on the harvested plants.
  • She examines a developing flax boll.
  • The farmer checks the bolls for damage.

Forms

boll · bolls

Similar words

capsule
A broader botanical term for a dry seed-containing fruit.
pod
Another seed container, typically with a different structure.