gonophore

[ gon-uh-fawr, -fohr ]

noun

, Zoology.

1. an asexually produced bud in hydrozoans that gives rise to the equivalent of a medusa.

gonophore

/ ˈɡɒnəʊˌfɔː; ˌɡɒnəʊˈfɒrɪk; ɡəʊˈnɒfərəs /

noun

1. zoology a polyp in certain coelenterates that bears gonads
2. botany an elongated structure in certain flowers that bears the stamens and pistil above the level of the other flower parts

gonophore

/ gŏn′ə-fôr′ /

1. A structure bearing or consisting of a reproductive organ or part, such as the one of the buds that produce sperm or eggs on a cnidarian polyp.

Derived Forms

• gonophoric, adjective

Other Words From

• gon·o·phor·ic [gon-, uh, -, fawr, -ik, -, for, -], go·noph·o·rous [goh-, nof, -er-, uh, s], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gonophore¹

First recorded in 1825–35; gono- + -phore

Example Sentences

The medusae may be set free or may remain attached to the polyp-colony and degenerate into a gonophore.

From Project Gutenberg

The eudoxome (Calycophorida), consisting of a bract, siphon, tentacle and gonophore; when free it is known as Eudoxia.

From Project Gutenberg