diaspore

[ dahy-uh-spawr, -spohr ]

noun

1. a mineral, aluminum oxyhydroxide, AlO(OH), occurring in crystals, or more usually in lamellar or scaly masses: a principal constituent of bauxite and an important source of aluminum.
2. Botany. a disseminule, especially one that undergoes dispersal.

diaspore

/ ˈdaɪəˌspɔː /

noun

1. a white, yellowish, or grey mineral consisting of hydrated aluminium oxide in orthorhombic crystalline form, found in bauxite and corundum. Formula: AlO(OH)
2. any propagative part of a plant, esp one that is easily dispersed, such as a spore

Word History and Origins

Origin of diaspore¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; from Greek diasporá; diaspora

Word History and Origins

Origin of diaspore¹

C19: from Greek diaspora a scattering, dispersion; see Diaspora : so named from its dispersion and crackling when highly heated