gymnosperm

noun

gym·no·sperm | \ 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

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Other Words from gymnosperm

gymnospermous \ ˌjim-nə-ˈspər-məs

\ adjective

gymnospermy \ ˈjim-nə-ˌspər-mē

\ noun

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Yet, once angiosperms emerged, their structural and functional diversity exploded — far outpacing the diversification and spread of the other major plant groups, the gymnosperms (including conifers) and ferns. — Quanta Magazine, "With ‘Downsized’ DNA, Flowering Plants Took Over the World," 16 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gymnosperm.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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The first known use of gymnosperm was circa 1838

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gymnosperm

noun

gym·no·sperm | \ ˈjim-nə-ˌspərm

Medical 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