fusion (Q2014)

Physical connection of equivalent or dissimilar structural entities (as recognized on evolutionary, morphological, anatomical, ontogenetic, and/or topological grounds). Terms that denote the interconnection of equivalent structures are predicated on a single collective subject and suffice in themselves to describe the condition; e.g., "sepals connate." However, those that denote the connection of dissimilar structures require explicit notation of each type of structure involved, in either a compound-subject construction or else a single-subject/object-of-preposition construction; e.g., "stamens and corolla adnate" or "stamens adnate to corolla." Qualifying detail is sometimes appropriate; e.g., "filaments connate basally," "filaments adnate to the petals over their lower halves."