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DictionarypistilFemale flower organ
noun

pistil

PIS-til/ˈpɪstɪl/

The seed-bearing female reproductive organ of a flower.

The pistil at the center of this flower receives pollen.

A botanically accurate lily shown with one petal gently cut away to reveal its central pistil: prominent three-lobed stigma atop a slender style leading to swollen green ovary, with a small cutaway showing ovules inside.
Etymology
pistilLatinpestle

Latin pistillum meant a pestle, the club-shaped tool used for pounding in a mortar. The flower’s seed-bearing organ received its name because its shape resembles that tool.

In context

Professor Dave Explains6:15
The top of the pistil is called the stigma, and this sticky platform is where pollen attaches
Plant Anatomy and Structure

More examples

  • The ovary forms the swollen base of the pistil.
  • Some flowers have several separate pistils.
  • After fertilization, seeds develop inside the pistil's ovary.

Forms

pistil · pistils

pistillate adjective — Having pistils but lacking functional stamens.

Similar words

carpel
A single structural unit; several may form one pistil.