antheridium

[an-thuh-rid-ee-uh m]

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

Related formsan·ther·id·i·al, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for antheridia

Historical Examples of antheridia

Antheridia most often on a short branch, globose-oblong or cylindric.
The Manual of the Botany of the Northern United States
Asa Gray
Antheridia immersed in the thallus, covered with dentate scales.
The Manual of the Botany of the Northern United States
Asa Gray
Antheridia large, in the axils of leaves on terminal branches.
The Manual of the Botany of the Northern United States
Asa Gray
Paraphyses, jointed filaments mixed with the antheridia of Mosses.
The Elements of Botany
Asa Gray
The antheridia are protected by leaves which are often modified in shape.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3
Various

British Dictionary definitions for antheridia

antheridium

noun plural -ia (-ɪə)

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

Derived Formsantheridial, adjective

Word Origin for antheridium

C19: from New Latin, diminutive of anthēra anther

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

antheridia in Science

antheridium

[ăn′thə-rĭd′ē-əm]

Plural antheridia (ăn′thə-rĭd′ē-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.