apospory

noun

apos·​po·​ry ˈa-pə-ˌspȯr-ē How to pronounce apospory (audio)
ə-ˈpä-spə-rē
: production of gametophytes directly from diploid cells of the sporophytes without spore formation (as in certain ferns and mosses)

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of apospory was in 1884

Dictionary Entries Near apospory

Cite this Entry

“Apospory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apospory. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on apospory

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!