A monocot, or monocotyledon, is a type of flowering plant characterized by having a single seed leaf, or cotyledon. Other features include parallel leaf veins, flower parts typically in multiples of three, and a fibrous root system. Common examples of monocots include grasses, lilies, and orchids. Monocots belong to one of the two major groups of angiosperms, the other being dicots. They play essential roles in ecosystems and agriculture, providing food sources like rice, wheat, and corn. Understanding monocots helps in studying plant biology and improving crop production.