: any of a group (Spermatophyta) of higher plants comprising those that produce seeds and including the gymnosperms and angiosperms

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from New Latin spermat- + Greek phyton plant — more at phyto-

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spermatophyte was in 1897

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spermatophyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spermatophyte. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

spermatophyte

noun
: any of a group of plants that produce seeds and include the gymnosperms and flowering plants

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