antheridium

[ an-thuh-rid-ee-uhm ]

noun

, Botany, Mycology.

, plural an·ther·id·i·a [an-th, uh, -, rid, -ee-, uh].

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

antheridium

/ ˌænθəˈrɪdɪəm /

noun

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

antheridium

/ ăn′thə-rĭd′ē-əm /

, Plural antheridia ăn′thə-rĭd′ē-ə

1. 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.
2. Compare archegonium

Derived Forms

• ˌantherˈidial, adjective

Other Words From

• anther·idi·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of antheridium¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of antheridium¹

C19: from New Latin, diminutive of anthēra anther

Example Sentences

These particles become globose cells, grouped in the centre of the antheridium.

From Project Gutenberg

It is seldom that more than one antheridium applies itself to an oogonium.

From Project Gutenberg

It is remarkable that amongst these fungi the tube projected by the antheridium effects fecundation only by contact.

From Project Gutenberg

Oogonium with the central uninucleate oosphere and the fertilizing tube (a) of the antheridium which introduces the male nucleus.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the minute organs developed in an antheridium, corresponding to pollen-grains.

From Project Gutenberg