anther
/'ænθə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The pollen-bearing part of a stamen: The anther is the terminal, typically bilobed structure of a stamen in a flower, which produces and contains pollen grains. It is usually supported by a slender stalk called a filament.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The bee brushed against the anther, collecting pollen on its legs.
- In botany class, we learned to identify the anther and filament of a stamen.
- The anther dehisces, or splits open, to release the mature pollen.
Advanced Usage
"Anther dehiscence": The process by which the anther opens to release pollen. This can occur through longitudinal slits, pores, or valves.
- The timing of anther dehiscence is crucial for successful pollination.
"Anther sac" or "pollen sac": One of the typically four chambers (microsporangia) within an anther where pollen grains develop.
- Each lobe of the anther contains two anther sacs.
Variants and Related Words
- Antheral (adj): Pertaining to or resembling an anther. (This is a technical/rare term).
- Stamen (n): The male fertilizing organ of a flower, typically consisting of a filament and an anther.
- Filament (n): The slender stalk that supports the anther.
Synonyms
- Pollen-bearing part: A descriptive synonym.
- Microsporangium (n): The structure within the anther where pollen is produced. (This is a more specific, technical term for the anther sacs).
Related Phrases and Terms
Exserted anther: An anther that protrudes or extends beyond the corolla (petals) of the flower.
- Flowers with exserted anthers are often pollinated by wind.
Included anther: An anther that remains within the corolla of the flower.
- The anthers are included, making insect pollination more efficient.
Related Idioms
(There are no common idioms specifically using the word "anther" due to its highly specialized botanical nature.)
Noun
- the part of the stamen that contains pollen; usually borne on a stalk