cryptogam

[ krip-tuh-gam ]

noun

, Botany.

1. any of the Cryptogamia, a former primary division of plants that have no true flowers or seeds and that reproduce by spores, as the ferns, mosses, fungi, and algae.

cryptogam

/ krɪpˈtɒɡəməs; ˈkrɪptəʊˌɡæm /

noun

1. (in former plant classification schemes) any organism that does not produce seeds, including algae, fungi, mosses, and ferns Compare phanerogam

Derived Forms

• ˌcryptoˈgamic, adjective

Other Words From

• crypto·gamic cryp·tog·a·mous [krip-, tog, -, uh, -m, uh, s], crypto·gami·cal adjective
• cryp·toga·mist noun
• cryp·toga·my noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cryptogam¹

From the New Latin word Cryptogamia, dating back to 1840–50. See crypto-, -gamy

Word History and Origins

Origin of cryptogam¹

C19: from New Latin Cryptogamia, from crypto- + Greek gamos marriage

Example Sentences

The insect which seeks it does not come from a distance; it inhabits the places wherein the cryptogam is found.

From Project Gutenberg

They mock at wounds who never confronted a foe more tangible than a Baconian cryptogam.

From Project Gutenberg

This irritation induces abnormal proliferation of epithelium, upon which the spores of the cryptogam then germinate.

From Project Gutenberg

The papilla continues to elongate and the cryptogam to increase, until finally it invades nearly the entire length of the papilla.

From Project Gutenberg

In no plant belonging to this sub-kingdom—in no single cryptogam—is any flower ever developed.

From Project Gutenberg