gametangium

noun

gam·​etan·​gi·​um ˌga-mə-ˈtan-jē-əm How to pronounce gametangium (audio)
plural gametangia ˌga-mə-ˈtan-jē-ə How to pronounce gametangium (audio)
: a cell or organ (as of an alga, fern, or fungus) in which gametes are developed

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German, from Gamet gamete + New Latin -angium "receptacle" (after sporangium)

Note: Introduced, together with the word Gamet, by Eduard Strasburger (see note at gamete).

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gametangium was in 1878

Dictionary Entries Near gametangium

Cite this Entry

“Gametangium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gametangium. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

gametangium

noun
gam·​etan·​gi·​um ˌgam-ə-ˈtan-jē-əm How to pronounce gametangium (audio)
plural gametangia -jē-ə How to pronounce gametangium (audio)
: a cell or organ in which gametes are developed

More from Merriam-Webster on gametangium

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!