noun
Literary or poetic term for a tower or tall structure. In modern Japanese, 塔 (とう) is more common.
古い詩に「天のうてな」という表現が出てくる。
The expression 'heavenly tower' appears in old poetry.
noun
Elevated base or platform for placing something, often decorative or ceremonial. Also used in botanical contexts for the receptacle of a flower.
仏像は蓮のうてなの上に安置されている。
The Buddha statue is placed on a lotus pedestal.
noun
Botanical term for the calyx (the sepals of a flower). Cross-referenced with 萼 (がく).
See also: 萼
植物学では、花のうてなを萼と呼ぶこともある。
In botany, the calyx of a flower is sometimes called うてな.
The reading うてな is of native Japanese origin, but the exact derivation is uncertain. The kanji 台 is conventionally associated with the meaning of a raised platform or tower.