an·ther·id·i·um ( n th -r d  -m)n. pl. an·ther·id·i·a (- -) A sperm-producing organ occurring in seedless plants, fungi, and algae. [New Latin : anth ra, anther; see anther + -idium, diminutive suff. (from Greek -idion).]an ther·idi·al adj. |
antheridium [ˌænθəˈrɪdɪəm]
n pl -ia [-ɪə]
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Botany) the male sex organ of algae, fungi, bryophytes, and spore-bearing vascular plants, such as ferns, which produces antherozoids
[from New Latin, diminutive of anthēra anther]
antheridial adj
| antheridium (nth-rd-m) Plural antheridia ( nth-rd-) An organ in certain organisms that produces male gametes. Antheridia are found in many groups of organisms, including the bryophytes, ferns, ascomycete fungi, and some algae. Most gymnosperms and all angiosperms, however, have lost the antheridium, and its role is filled by the pollen grain. Compare archegonium. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | antheridium - the male sex organ of spore-producing plants; produces antherozoids; equivalent to the anther in flowers reproductive structure - the parts of a plant involved in its reproduction |
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