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.

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