exospore

American  

[ek-suh-spawr, -spohr] / ˈɛk səˌspɔr, -ˌspoʊr /

noun

Botany, Mycology.

1. the outer coat of a spore.

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exospore British  

/ ˈɛksəʊˌspɔː /

noun

1. the outer layer of the spores of some algae and fungi

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Other Word Forms

• exosporal adjective
• exosporous adjective

Etymology

Origin of exospore

First recorded in 1855–60; exo- + spore

Example Sentences

Some mycologists are of opinion that the covering of the spore is double, consisting of an exospore and an endospore, the latter being very fine and delicate.

From Fungi: Their Nature and Uses by Cooke, M. C. (Mordecai Cubitt)

Sometimes the exospore is ruptured and detached loosely from the germinating spore.

From Fungi: Their Nature and Uses by Cooke, M. C. (Mordecai Cubitt)

The exospore often bears spines or warts, or is variously sculptured, and the character of the markings is often of value for the distinction of genera or higher groups.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Part 1, Slice 1 by Various

The exospore is sometimes roughened, with more or less projecting warts, as may be seen in Russula, which much resembles Lactarius in this as in some other particulars.

From Fungi: Their Nature and Uses by Cooke, M. C. (Mordecai Cubitt)