sporophyll

American  

[spawr-uh-fil, spohr-] / ˈspɔr ə fɪl, ˈspoʊr- /

Or sporophyl

noun

Botany.

1. a modified leaf that bears sporangia.

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sporophyll British  

/ ˈspɒ-, ˈspɔːrəʊfɪl /

noun

1. a leaf in ferns and other spore-bearing plants that bears the sporangia See also megasporophyll microsporophyll

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sporophyll Scientific  

/ spôr′ə-fĭl′ /

1. A leaf or leaflike organ that bears sporangia.

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Other Word Forms

• sporophyllary adjective

Etymology

Origin of sporophyll

First recorded in 1885–90; sporo- + -phyll

Example Sentences

The male flower of Cycas conforms to the type of structure characteristic of the cycads, and consists of a long cone of numerous sporophylls bearing many oval pollen-sacs on their lower faces.

From Project Gutenberg

Of these whorls the two internal, forming the sporophylls, constitute the essential organs of reproduction; the two outer whorls are the protective coverings or floral envelopes.

From Project Gutenberg

In addition to the spore-bearing leaves, those surrounding them may be much changed in form and brilliantly colored, forming, with the enclosed sporophylls, the “flower” of the higher spermaphytes.

From Project Gutenberg

Usually, however, other leaves are present which are only indirectly concerned with the reproductive process, acting as protective organs for the sporophylls or forming an attractive envelope.

From Project Gutenberg

The male flowers of cycads are constructed on a uniform plan, and in all cases consist of an axis bearing crowded, spirally disposed sporophylls.

From Project Gutenberg