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spore Definition

spore (spôr, spōr)

noun

  1. Biol. any of various small reproductive bodies, usually consisting of a single cell, produced by bacteria, algae, mosses, ferns, certain protozoans, etc., either asexually (asexual spore) or by the union of gametes (sexual spore): they are capable of giving rise to a new adult individual, either immediately or after an interval of dormancy
  2. any small organism or cell that can develop into a new individual; seed, germ, etc.

Etymology: ModL spora < Gr, a sowing, seed, akin to speirein, to sow < IE base *(s)p(h)er-, to strew, sow > spread, sprout

intransitive verb spored, spor′·ing

to bear or develop spores

spore Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • germinate: His studies of the life cycle of the rust fungus convinced him that the germinating spores represented a vulnerable stage for attack.
  • inhale: In 2000 a Dutch woman in her 20s died from Pigeon Lung disease caused by inhaling spores from droppings.
  • disperse: These cells are sensitive to slight changes in humidity, causing a twisting action that aids in dispersing the spores.

Adjective modifier

  • fungal: The air is also full of fungal spores at most times of the year.
  • asexual: Fruiting bodies take 4 to 6 hours to develop and they can start releasing asexual spores 10 to 60 minutes later.
  • airborne: In spring airborne spores are released which infect susceptible plants.
  • resting: Many resting spores of microorganisms are carried with the wind.
  • bacterial: Differentiation - bacterial spores are one of the most resistant life forms on earth.
  • rust: When the foliage dries more quickly, infections are reduced since, like almost all fungal spores, rust spores require water for germination.

Modifies a noun

  • germination: All three salts significantly reduced mycelial growth and spore germination.
  • dispersal: Some rely on insects for spore dispersal, whilst others use people or animals to ensure their spread.
  • capsule: Each spore capsule is for all the world like a clenched fist.

Noun used with modifier

  • anthrax: How long might anthrax spores left in the ground retain their viability?
  • mold: This mixture will kill any mold or mold spores that may not be visible.
  • mold: The harmful effects of mold spores cannot surface in the finished oil.
  • bacillus: However, putting a culture containing millions of Bacillus anthracis spores into a form that makes an effective weapon is not easy.
  • fern: People used to believe that if a person carried fern spores, they would become invisible.
  • fungus: It will also destroy fungi spores giving freedom from rust.

Preposition: of

  • fungus: The spores of the fungi are sprayed on the crop pests.

Preposition: per

  • ml: For an effective lawn at least 10 5 spores per ml were required to ensure a good amount of growth.