endosperm

noun

en·​do·​sperm ˈen-dō-ˌspərm 

: a nutritive tissue in seed plants formed within the embryo sac by division of the endosperm nucleus

Examples of endosperm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The wheat kernel has three parts: the endosperm, a pocket of starch that makes up about 80% of the whole kernel; the protective outer coating called the bran; and the tiny, fatty, rich germ, the place from which a kernel sprouts. —Ryan Kellman, NPR, 10 Sep. 2024

While white flour is made from just the endosperm, whole-wheat flour is made by recombining the three parts after milling. —Perri Ormont Blumberg, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2024

Whole Grains Whole grains are foods with an entire grain kernel, including the bran, germ, and endosperm. —Cathy Nelson, Verywell Health, 16 July 2024

Fiber-Rich Whole Grains Whole grains have the entire grain kernel, so the bran, germ, and endosperm. —Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 10 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

French endosperme, from end- + Greek sperma seed — more at sperm

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing endosperm

• endosperm nucleus

Kids Definition

endosperm

noun

en·​do·​sperm ˈen-də-ˌspərm 

: a food-containing tissue formed within the seed in seed plants