Sphaerophorus
noun
Sphae·roph·o·rus
\sfə̇ˈräfərəs\
Definition of Sphaerophorus
: a genus (the type of the family Sphaerophoraceae) of gymnocarpous lichens characterized by a foliaceous or fruticose thallus with terminal globose apothecia bearing continuous dark-colored ascospores
From the M-W Editors
There's more!
Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.
Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:
- More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
- Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
- Advanced search features
- Ad free!
Origin and Etymology of sphaerophorus
New Latin, from sphaer- + -phorous
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up Sphaerophorus? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!