zoospore

noun

zoo·​spore ˈzō-ə-ˌspȯr How to pronounce zoospore (audio)
: an independently motile spore
especially : a motile usually naked and flagellated asexual spore especially of an alga or lower fungus
zoosporic adjective

Examples of zoospore in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web According to the Amphibian Ark organization, the immune frogs could benefit from having symbiotic bacteria present on their skin, something to block the zoospores. Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 2 May 2023 Infection usually occurs via contact with water that contains the swimming zoospores of P. insidiosum, which are drawn to open wounds. Alex Fox, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Apr. 2020 After a few days or weeks, structures called sporangia develop, which migrate to the skin surface, then burst to release massive new batches of zoospores. Erik Stokstad, Science | AAAS, 19 July 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'zoospore.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, from zoo- zoo- + -spore -spore

Note: The term was apparently introduced by the French botanist Joseph Decaisne (1807-82) in "Essai sur une classification des Algues et des Polypiers calcifères de Lamouroux," Annales des sciences naturelles, seconde série, tome 17ème, Botanique (1842), p. 307.

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zoospore was in 1842

Dictionary Entries Near zoospore

Cite this Entry

“Zoospore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zoospore. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

zoospore

noun
: an independently motile spore
especially : a motile usually naked and flagellated asexual spore especially of an alga or lower fungus
zoosporic adjective

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