zygospore

[ zahy-guh-spawr, -spohr, zig-uh- ]

/ ˈzaɪ gəˌspɔr, -ˌspoʊr, ˈzɪg ə- /

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noun Botany, Mycology.

a cell formed by fusion of two similar gametes, as in certain algae and fungi.

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Origin of zygospore

First recorded in 1860–65; zygo- + -spore

OTHER WORDS FROM zygospore

zy·go·spor·ic

[zahy-guh-spawr-ik, -spor-, zig-uh-], /ˌzaɪ gəˈspɔr ɪk, -ˈspɒr-, ˌzɪg ə-/, adjective

Words nearby zygospore

zygophyte, zygopteran, zygosis, zygosity, zygosporangium, zygospore, zygote, zygotene, zygotic, -zygous, zymase

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use zygospore in a sentence

The zygospore thus formed germinates after a long period and forms a new filament of cells.
Scientific American Supplement, Vol. XXI., No. 531, March 6, 1886|Various
During all these changes, while the zygospore enlarges, the wall of the arcuate cells becomes coloured brown.
Fungi: Their Nature and Uses|Mordecai Cubitt Cooke
The product of the union of two zygoblasts is termed a zygospore.
Scientific American Supplement, Vol. XXI., No. 531, March 6, 1886|Various

British Dictionary definitions for zygospore

zygospore

/ (ˈzaɪɡəʊˌspɔː, ˈzɪɡ-) /

noun

a thick-walled sexual spore formed from the zygote of some fungi and algae

Derived forms of zygospore

zygosporic, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for zygospore

zygospore

[ zī′gə-spôr′, zĭg′ə- ]

A large, multinucleate spore formed by union of isogametes (gametes that are not distinguished by size and structure), as in certain algae or fungi. A zygospore develops thick, resistant walls and enters a period of dormancy before germinating.