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gymnosperm

noun
gym·​no·​sperm | \ ˈjim-nÉ™-ËŒspÉ™rm How to pronounce gymnosperm (audio) \

Definition of gymnosperm

: any of a group of vascular plants that produce naked seeds not enclosed in an ovary, that were formerly considered a class (Gymnospermae) of seed plants, but that are now considered polyphyletic in origin and divided into several extinct divisions and four divisions with surviving members typified by the cycadophytes, conifers, ginkgo, and ephedras — compare angiosperm
Other Words from gymnosperm Example Sentences Learn More about gymnosperm

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Other Words from gymnosperm

gymnospermous \ ËŒjim-​nÉ™-​ˈspÉ™r-​mÉ™s How to pronounce gymnospermous (audio) \ adjective
gymnospermy \ ˈjim-​nÉ™-​ËŒspÉ™r-​mÄ“ How to pronounce gymnospermy (audio) \ noun

Examples of gymnosperm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Yet, once angiosperms emerged, their structural and functional diversity exploded — far outpacing the diversification and spread of the other major plant groups, the gymnosperms (including conifers) and ferns. — Quanta Magazine, "With ‘Downsized’ DNA, Flowering Plants Took Over the World," 16 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gymnosperm.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of gymnosperm

circa 1838, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for gymnosperm

ultimately from Greek gymnos + sperma seed — more at sperm

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More Definitions for gymnosperm

gymnosperm

noun
gym·​no·​sperm | \ ˈjim-nÉ™-ËŒspÉ™rm How to pronounce gymnosperm (audio) \

Medical Definition of gymnosperm

: any of a class or subdivision (Gymnospermae) of woody vascular seed plants (as conifers or cycads) that produce naked seeds not enclosed in an ovary and that in some instances have motile spermatozoids — compare angiosperm

Other Words from gymnosperm

gymnospermous \ ËŒjim-​nÉ™-​ˈspÉ™r-​mÉ™s How to pronounce gymnospermous (audio) \ adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on gymnosperm

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with gymnosperm

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gymnosperm

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