microspore

[ mahy-kruh-spawr, ‑-spohr ]

noun

, Botany.

1. the smaller of the two kinds of spores characteristically produced by seed plants and some fern allies, developing into a male gametophyte. Compare megaspore,
2. a pollen grain.

microspore

/ ˈmaɪkrəʊˌspɔː /

noun

1. the smaller of two types of spore produced by some spore-bearing plants, which develops into the male gametophyte Compare megaspore
2. the pollen grain of seed plants

microspore

/ mīk′rə-spôr′ /

1. One of the two types of haploid spores produced by a heterosporous plant. Microspores develop into male gametophytes and are usually smaller than megaspores. In angiosperms, the microspore develops into the pollen grain.

Derived Forms

• ˌmicroˈsporic, adjective

Other Words From

• mi·cro·spor·ic [mahy-kr, uh, -, spawr, -ik, ‑-, spor, ‑], mi·cro·spor·ous [mahy-kr, uh, -, spawr, -, uh, s, ‑-, spohr, ‑, mahy-, kros, -per-, uh, s], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of microspore¹

First recorded in 1855–60; micro- + -spore

Example Sentences

Germination of the microspore begins before it leaves the pollen-sac.

From Project Gutenberg

Microspore, the smaller kind of spore when there are two kinds, 161.

From Project Gutenberg