cultivar
UK[ˈkʌltɪvɑː(r)]US[ˈkʌltəˌvɑːr]
n
A plant variety that has been produced in cultivation by selective breeding.
Morpheme Breakdown
culti
var
culti
to till
var
variety
Etymology
The word 'cultivar' is a modern 20th-century portmanteau, a deliberate blend of "cultivated" and "variety." Its first element, "culti-," traces back to the Latin verb colere, meaning to till or inhabit, which evolved into 'cultivare' (to cultivate). The second element, "-var," is a direct truncation of the English word "variety," which originates from Latin varietas, denoting a state of difference or diversity. Thus, the term's literal construction as a "cultivated variety" perfectly captures its precise botanical definition: a plant type distinct from those found in the wild, created and maintained through deliberate agricultural practice.
Analysis
Structure: culti (to till) + var (variety)
- culti: From Latin 'cultivare' (to cultivate, to till), itself from 'cultus' (cultivated). Functional role: Root conveying the concept of cultivation.
- var: A shortening of 'variety', from Latin 'varietas'. Functional role: Root conveying the concept of a distinct form or type.
Examples
This popular tomato cultivar is known for its disease resistance and high yield.
The nursery specializes in developing new rose cultivars for different climates.
Agricultural scientists registered the new grain cultivar after a decade of selective breeding.