sporophyll

or spo·ro·phyl

[ spawr-uh-fil, spohr- ]

noun

, Botany.

1. a modified leaf that bears sporangia.

sporophyll

/ ˈspɒ-; ˈspɔːrəʊfɪl /

noun

1. a leaf in ferns and other spore-bearing plants that bears the sporangia See also megasporophyll microsporophyll

sporophyll

/ spôr′ə-fĭl′ /

1. A leaf or leaflike organ that bears sporangia.

Other Words From

• spo·ro·phyl·la·ry [spawr-, uh, -, fil, -, uh, -ree, spohr-], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sporophyll¹

First recorded in 1885–90; sporo- + -phyll

Example Sentences

Similarly in the sporophylls of some cycads the bundles are endarch near the base and mesarch near the distal end of the stamen or carpel.

From Project Gutenberg

Of these whorls the two internal, forming the sporophylls, constitute the essential organs of reproduction; the two outer whorls are the protective coverings or floral envelopes.

From Project Gutenberg

To these leaves surrounding the sporophylls, the general name of “perianth” or “perigone” is given.

From Project Gutenberg

Usually, however, other leaves are present which are only indirectly concerned with the reproductive process, acting as protective organs for the sporophylls or forming an attractive envelope.

From Project Gutenberg

The occurrence of buds in the axils of carpellary scales may, however, simply mean that buds, which are usually undeveloped in the axils of sporophylls, occasionally afford evidence of their existence.

From Project Gutenberg