acrospire

[ ak-ruh-spahyuhr ]

noun

, Botany.

1. the first sprout appearing in the germination of grain; the developed plumule of the seed.

acrospire

/ ˈækrəˌspaɪə /

noun

1. the first shoot developing from the plumule of a germinating grain seed

Word History and Origins

Origin of acrospire¹

1610–20; acro- + spire ¹; replacing akerspire, equivalent to aker ( Old English æchir ear of grain) + spire

Word History and Origins

Origin of acrospire¹

C17: from obsolete akerspire, from aker ear ² + spire sprout, spire ¹; the modern form is influenced by acro-

Example Sentences

As the acrospire creeps along the surface of the seed, the farina within undergoes a remarkable alteration.

From Project Gutenberg

The malting, however, is complete before the acrospire becomes a leaf.

From Project Gutenberg

By about the eighth day of flooring the acrospire should be about three-quarters up the corn.

From Project Gutenberg