endospore

[ en-duh-spawr, -spohr ]

noun

1. Botany, Mycology. the inner coat of a spore. Compare intine.
2. Bacteriology. a spore formed within a cell of a rod-shaped organism.

endospore

/ ˈɛndəʊˌspɔː; ˌɛndəʊˈspɔːrəs; ɛnˈdɒspərəs /

noun

1. a small asexual spore produced by some bacteria and algae
2. the innermost wall of a spore or pollen grain

endospore

/ ĕn′də-spôr′ /

1. A rounded, inactive form that certain bacteria assume under conditions of extreme temperature, dryness, or lack of food. The bacterium develops a waterproof cell wall that protects it from being dried out or damaged. Bacteria have been known to remain dormant but alive in the form of endospores for long periods of time, even thousands of years.
2. Also called endosporium

Derived Forms

• endosporous, adjective

Other Words From

• en·dos·por·ous [en-, dos, -per-, uh, s, en-doh-, spawr, -, -, spohr, -], adjective
• en·dospor·ous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of endospore¹

First recorded in 1870–75; endo- + spore

Example Sentences

When the spore is coloured, the external membrane alone appears to possess colour, the endospore being constantly hyaline.

From Project Gutenberg