spore

/spɔ:/
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spore

A mushroom releases its spores into the air.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A microscopic, typically single-celled, asexual reproductive unit: A spore is a reproductive structure produced by certain plants, fungi, bacteria, and protozoans. It is capable of developing into a new individual without the need for sexual fusion (fertilization).
    • A sexual reproductive unit: In some contexts, a spore can also refer to a cell formed after the fusion of gametes (sexual reproduction), which then develops into a new organism.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • Ferns and mosses reproduce by releasing spores into the air.
    • The fungus produced millions of microscopic spores.
    • Under the microscope, we observed the bacterial spores.
Advanced Usage
  • "Spore formation": The process by which an organism produces spores.
    • Spore formation is a common survival strategy for bacteria in harsh conditions.
  • "Spore-bearing": Describing an organism or structure that produces or carries spores.
    • The underside of the fern leaf is spore-bearing.
Variants and Related Words
  • Sporangium (n): A structure in which spores are produced.
    • The sporangium ruptured to release the spores.
  • Sporulate (v): To produce or release spores.
    • The mold will sporulate when conditions are right.
  • Spore case: Another term for a sporangium.
Synonyms
  • Reproductive cell
  • Propagule (a general term for any structure that propagates a plant, including spores and seeds).
Related Phrases and Terms
  • "Spore dispersal": The method by which spores are spread from the parent organism.
    • Wind is a primary agent of spore dispersal for many fungi.
  • "Resting spore": A spore that remains dormant for a period before germinating.
    • The resting spore allowed the pathogen to survive the winter.
spore

A mushroom releases its spores into the air.

Noun
  1. a small usually single-celled asexual reproductive body produced by many nonflowering plants and fungi and some bacteria and protozoans and that are capable of developing into a new individual without sexual fusion
    • a sexual spore is formed after the fusion of gametes