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
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Origin and Etymology of gymnosperm
ultimately from Greek gymnos + sperma seed — more at sperm
First Known Use: circa 1838
Medical Dictionary
gymnosperm
playMedical Definition of gymnosperm
: any of a class or subdivision (Gymnospermae) of woody vascular seed plants (as conifers or cycads) that produce naked seeds not enclosed in an ovary and that in some instances have motile spermatozoids—compare angiosperm
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See words that rhyme with gymnosperm Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gymnosperm
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