antheridium

[ an-thuh-rid-ee-uh m ]
/ ˌæn θəˈrɪd i əm /

noun, plural an·ther·id·i·a [an-thuh-rid-ee-uh] /ˌæn θəˈrɪd i ə/. Botany, Mycology.

a male reproductive structure producing gametes, occurring in ferns, mosses, fungi, and algae.

Origin of antheridium

From New Latin, dating back to 1850–55; see origin at anther, -idium

OTHER WORDS FROM antheridium

an·ther·id·i·al, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for antheridia

British Dictionary definitions for antheridia

antheridium
/ (ˌænθəˈrɪdɪəm) /

noun plural -ia (-ɪə)

the male sex organ of algae, fungi, bryophytes, and spore-bearing vascular plants, such as ferns, which produces antherozoids

Derived forms of antheridium

antheridial, adjective

Word Origin for antheridium

C19: from New Latin, diminutive of anthēra anther

Scientific definitions for antheridia

antheridium
[ ăn′thə-rĭdē-əm ]

Plural antheridia (ăn′thə-rĭdē-ə)

An organ in certain organisms that produces male gametes. Antheridia are found in many groups of organisms, including the bryophytes, ferns, ascomycete fungi, and some algae. Most gymnosperms and all angiosperms, however, have lost the antheridium, and its role is filled by the pollen grain. Compare archegonium.