microsporophyll

[mahy-kruh-spawr-uh-fil, -spohr-]

noun

Botany.

1. a leaflike organ bearing microsporangia.

microsporophyll

/ ˌmaɪkrəʊˈspɔːrəfɪl /

noun

1. a leaf on which the microspores are formed: corresponds to the stamen of a flowering plant Compare megasporophyll

microsporophyll

1. A leaflike structure that bears microsporangia, such as those of in the strobili of lycophytes or in the male cones of conifers. The stamens of flowering plants are highly modified microsporophylls.

Word History and Origins

Origin of microsporophyll¹

First recorded in 1890–95; micro- + sporophyll

Word History and Origins

Origin of microsporophyll¹

C19: from _micro- + _sporophyll

Example Sentences

The outermost series of the essential organs, collectively termed the androecium, is composed of the microsporophylls known as the staminal leaves or stamens.

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