A botanical term. noun. A tapering point, as on a leaf or a petal.

"The leaves are conspicuously ovate and concave at base, sheathing the stem, and end in a very long acumen."
--J. -P. Frahm

 

Sources:
Oxford English Dictionary
J. -P. Frahm, A new contribution to the moss flora of Baltic and Saxon amber, Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology,Volume 129, Issues 1-2, March 2004, Pages 81-101. <http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6V6W-4BM8G6F-2/1/11b37c701a30b9e0a737e263cc27fc9f> (June 2, 2008)

A*cu"men (#), n. [L. acumen, fr. acuere to sharpen. Cf. Acute.]

Quickness of perception or discernment; penetration of mind; the faculty of nice discrimination.

Selden.

Syn. -- Sharpness; sagacity; keenness; shrewdness; acuteness.

 

© Webster 1913.

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