anther-dust

anther-dust

A bee collects anther-dust from a bright yellow flower.

Definition

Noun: - Pollen: "anther-dust" refers to the powdery, fine-grained substance (pollen) produced by the anther of a flower. It is the male reproductive material in flowering plants.

Usage Examples
  • (Pollen from the anthers of lilies.)
  • (Pollen particles from a flower's anther.)
  • (Pollen dispersed by wind.)
Advanced Usage
  • "cloud of anther-dust": a visible mass of pollen released into the air, often during flowering season.
    • A sudden breeze sent a cloud of anther-dust swirling around the garden. (A visible puff of pollen.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Anther (n): the part of a flower's stamen that contains and releases pollen.
    • The anther is usually located at the tip of a thin stalk called the filament. (The pollen-producing structure.)
  • Dust (n): fine, dry particles of matter; in this context, it emphasizes the powdery texture of pollen.
    • The anther-dust settled on the leaves like fine, golden powder. (Pollen as a fine substance.)
Synonyms
  • Pollen: the fine, powdery substance produced by flowers for fertilization.
  • Flower dust: an informal term for pollen.
  • Microspores: the scientific term for individual pollen grains.
Related Idioms