zoospore

noun

zoo·​spore ˈzō-ə-ˌspȯr 

: an independently motile spore

especially : a motile usually naked and flagellated asexual spore especially of an alga or lower fungus

zoosporic

ˌzō-ə-ˈspȯr-ik 

adjective

Examples of zoospore in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to the Amphibian Ark organization, the immune frogs could benefit from having symbiotic bacteria present on their skin, something to block the zoospores. —Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 2 May 2023

Infection usually occurs via contact with water that contains the swimming zoospores of P. insidiosum, which are drawn to open wounds. —Alex Fox, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Apr. 2020

After a few days or weeks, structures called sporangia develop, which migrate to the skin surface, then burst to release massive new batches of zoospores. —Erik Stokstad, Science | AAAS, 19 July 2017

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, from zoo- zoo- + -spore -spore

Note: The term was apparently introduced by the French botanist Joseph Decaisne (1807-82) in "Essai sur une classification des Algues et des Polypiers calcifères de Lamouroux," Annales des sciences naturelles, seconde série, tome 17^ème, Botanique (1842), p. 307.

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

zoospore

noun

zoo·​spore ˈzō-ə-ˌspō(ə)r, -ˌspȯ(ə)r 

: an independently motile spore

especially : a motile usually naked and flagellated asexual spore especially of an alga or lower fungus

zoosporic

ˌzō-ə-ˈspōr-ik, -ˈspȯr- 

adjective