gonidium
noun
pl. -·ia- a reproductive cell produced asexually in certain algae, as tetraspores or zoospores
- any of the chlorophyll-bearing algal cells in lichens
Origin of gonidium
ModL, diminutive from Classical Greek gonos: for base see gonadgonidium
noun
pl. go·nid·i·a,An asexually produced cell that can generate a new colony, found in certain algae such as volvox.
Origin of gonidium
New Latin from Greek gonos seed, offspring ; see gono- .Related Forms:
- go·nid′i·al
adjective
gonidium
Noun
(plural gonidia)
- (lichenology, phycology) A photosynthetic algal cell in the thallus of a lichen; a similar asexual reproductive cell in some algae.
- (zoology) A special groove or furrow at one or both angles of the mouth of many Anthozoa.
