[ 'keɪlɪks , 'ka- ]
(also calix )
■ noun ( plural calyces -lɪsi:z or ~es )
1》 Botany the sepals of a flower, typically forming a whorl that encloses the petals and forms a protective layer around a flower in bud.
2》 Zoology a cup-like cavity or structure, in particular part of the pelvis of a mammalian kidney.
Origin
C17: from L., from Gk kalux 'case of a bud, husk', related to kaluptein 'to hide'.