schizophyte

[ skiz-uh-fahyt, skit-suh- ]

noun

1. any of the Schizophyta, a group of organisms comprising the schizomycetes and the schizophyceous algae, characterized by a simple structure and reproduction by simple fission or spores.

Other Words From

• schiz·o·phyt·ic [skiz-, uh, -, fit, -ik, skit-s, uh, -], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of schizophyte¹

First recorded in 1875–80; schizo- + -phyte