ascospore

[ as-kuh-spawr, -spohr ]

noun

, Mycology.

1. a spore formed within an ascus.

ascospore

/ ˈæskəˌspɔː /

noun

1. one of the spores (usually eight in number) that are produced in an ascus

ascospore

/ ăs′kə-spôr′ /

1. A sexually produced fungal spore formed within an ascus of ascomycetes. Ascospores have a haploid number of chromosomes and are formed by meiosis of the diploid zygote that results when the nuclei of sexually compatible hyphae fuse together. When an ascospore is released and lands in a place that is rich in nutrients, it germinates and sends out hyphae of its own.

Other Words From

• as·co·spor·ic [as-k, uh, -, spawr, -ik, -, spor, -], as·cos·po·rous [as-, kos, -per-, uh, s, as-k, uh, -, spawr, -, -, spohr, -], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ascospore¹

First recorded in 1870–75; asco- + spore

Example Sentences

Second, the wind plays a large part in local ascospore dissemination.

From Project Gutenberg