perithecium

noun

peri·​the·​ci·​um ˌper-ə-ˈthē-shē-əm How to pronounce perithecium (audio)
-sē-
plural perithecia ˌper-ə-ˈthē-shē-ə How to pronounce perithecium (audio)
-sē-
: a spherical, cylindrical, or flask-shaped hollow fruiting body in various ascomycetous fungi that contains the asci and usually opens by a terminal pore
perithecial adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from peri- + Greek thēkion, diminutive of thēkē case — more at tick

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perithecium was in 1800

Dictionary Entries Near perithecium

Cite this Entry

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

Medical Definition

perithecium

noun
peri·​the·​ci·​um -ˈthē-sē-əm How to pronounce perithecium (audio)
plural perithecia -sē-ə How to pronounce perithecium (audio)
: a spherical, cylindrical, or flask-shaped hollow fruiting body in various ascomycetous fungi that contains the asci, usually opens by a terminal pore, and sometimes includes the cleistothecium

More from Merriam-Webster on perithecium

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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