gymnosperm

gym·no·sperm

noun \ˈjim-nə-ˌspərm\

Definition of GYMNOSPERM

: any of a group of vascular plants that produce naked seeds not enclosed in an ovary, that were formerly considered a class (Gymnospermae) of seed plants, but that are now considered polyphyletic in origin and divided into several extinct divisions and four divisions with surviving members typified by the cycadophytes, conifers, ginkgo, and ephedras — compare angiosperm

— gym·no·sper·mous \ˌjim-nə-ˈspər-məs\ adjective

— gym·no·sper·my \ˈjim-nə-ˌspər-mē\ noun

Origin of GYMNOSPERM

ultimately from Greek gymnos + sperma seed — more at sperm

First Known Use: circa 1838

Rhymes with GYMNOSPERM

angleworm, armyworm, disaffirm, disconfirm, pachyderm, reconfirm