endospore

American  

[en-duh-spawr, -spohr] / ˈɛn dəˌspɔr, -ˌspoʊr /

noun

1. Botany, Mycology. the inner coat of a spore.

2. Bacteriology. a spore formed within a cell of a rod-shaped organism.

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endospore British  

/ ˈɛndəʊˌspɔː, ˌɛndəʊˈspɔːrəs, ɛnˈdɒspərəs /

noun

1. a small asexual spore produced by some bacteria and algae

2. the innermost wall of a spore or pollen grain

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endospore Scientific  

/ ĕn′də-spôr′ /

1. A rounded, inactive form that certain bacteria assume under conditions of extreme temperature, dryness, or lack of food. The bacterium develops a waterproof cell wall that protects it from being dried out or damaged. Bacteria have been known to remain dormant but alive in the form of endospores for long periods of time, even thousands of years.

2. Also called endosporium

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Other Word Forms

• endosporous adjective
• endosporously adverb

Etymology

Origin of endospore

First recorded in 1870–75; endo- + spore

Example Sentences

While this is happening, the bacteria are activated from their endospore form in the presence of carbon and a nutrient source in the concrete.

From Science Daily • Dec. 8, 2023

When induced into forming an endospore the bacteria can survive the harsh conditions inside concrete, lying dormant until called into action.

From Science Daily • Dec. 8, 2023

In times of —when nutrition is scarce, for example— forms an endospore: a resilient, dehydrated version of its former self.

From Scientific American • Sep. 3, 2013

The oospores of the Saprolegniæ, when arrived at maturity, possess a tolerably thick double integument, consisting of an epispore and an endospore.

From Fungi: Their Nature and Uses by Cooke, M. C. (Mordecai Cubitt)

Some mycologists are of opinion that the covering of the spore is double, consisting of an exospore and an endospore, the latter being very fine and delicate.

From Fungi: Their Nature and Uses by Cooke, M. C. (Mordecai Cubitt)