from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Calyx \Ca"lyx\ (k[=a]"l[i^]ks; 277), n.; pl. E. {Calyxes}
(k[=a]"l[i^]ks*[e^]z), L. {Calyces} (k[a^]l"[i^]*s[=e]z). [L.
calyx, -ycis, fr. Gr. ka`lyx husk, shell, calyx, from the
root of kaly`ptein to cover, conceal. Cf. {Chalice Helmet}.]
1. (Bot.) The covering of a flower. See {Flower}.
[1913 Webster]
Note: The calyx is usually green and foliaceous, but becomes
delicate and petaloid in such flowers as the anemone
and the four-o'clock. Each leaf of the calyx is called
a sepal.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Anat.) A cuplike division of the pelvis of the kidney,
which surrounds one or more of the renal papill[ae].
[1913 Webster]