1. situated on the side away from the axis; facing away from the central stem or axis of a plant.
Usage: botany; technical

Examples

• The abaxial surface of the leaf is typically lighter in color than the adaxial surface.
• Stomata are often more abundant on the abaxial side of leaves.
• In many plant species, the abaxial epidermis has a waxy coating for protection.
• The abaxial face of the petal faces away from the flower's center.
• Botanists examined the abaxial surface under a microscope to count the stomata.