exine

[ek-seen, -sahyn]

noun

Botany.

1. the outer coat of a spore, especially a pollen grain.

exine

/ ˈɛkstɪn, -tiːn, -taɪn, ˈɛksɪn, -aɪn /

noun

1. botany the outermost coat of a pollen grain or a spore Compare intine

exine

1. The outer layer of the wall of a pollen grain. The exine is composed of the most durable organic polymer known, sporopollenin.

2. Also called extine

Word History and Origins

Origin of exine¹

First recorded in 1880–85; ex- ¹ + -ine ¹

Example Sentences

Microspore spherical or oval, with or without a bladder-like extension of the exine, containing a prothallus of two or more cells, one of which produces two non-motile or motile male cells.

From Project Gutenberg

The exine is a firm membrane, which defines the figure of the pollen-grain, and gives colour to it.

From Project Gutenberg