appressorium

noun

ap·​pres·​so·​ri·​um ˌa-pre-ˈsȯr-ē-əm How to pronounce appressorium (audio)
plural appressoria ˌa-pre-ˈsȯr-ē-ə How to pronounce appressorium (audio)
: the flattened thickened tip of a hyphal branch by which some parasitic fungi attach to and penetrate their host

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin apprimere

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of appressorium was in 1897

Dictionary Entries Near appressorium

Cite this Entry

“Appressorium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appressorium. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

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