megaspore: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Scientific / Technical
Quick answer
What does “megaspore” mean?
A large, haploid spore produced by some plants and algae that develops into a female gametophyte.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, haploid spore produced by some plants and algae that develops into a female gametophyte.
In botany, the larger of the two types of spores produced by heterosporous plants, giving rise to female gametes. In informal contexts, might be used metaphorically to describe a large, foundational, or generative unit.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Both varieties use the same term.
Connotations
Purely scientific/technical, with no regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Near-zero frequency in general language for both. Usage is confined to identical technical fields in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “megaspore” in a Sentence
The megaspore develops into X.Y plant produces megaspores.A megaspore is formed within Z.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “megaspore” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The megaspore mother cell undergoes meiosis.
- Megaspore development is a key stage.
American English
- The megaspore mother cell undergoes meiosis.
- Megaspore development is a critical phase.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in advanced botany, plant biology, palaeobotany, and evolutionary biology texts and research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in plant morphology and reproduction; essential for describing the life cycles of heterosporous plants like ferns and seed plants.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “megaspore”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “megaspore”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “megaspore”
- Misspelling as 'megaspor' or 'megaspoor'.
- Using it as a general synonym for 'seed' or 'egg'.
- Incorrectly stating it is diploid (it is haploid).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A megaspore is a haploid spore. It undergoes mitotic divisions to develop into a multicellular female gametophyte, which then produces the egg cell(s).
No. Only heterosporous plants (like some ferns, clubmosses, and all seed plants) produce distinct megaspores and microspores. Homosporous plants produce only one type of spore.
A megaspore is a single haploid cell that develops into the female gametophyte. A seed is a complex, multicellular reproductive unit containing an embryo (the offspring), stored food, and a protective coat, formed after fertilization. The megaspore is a precursor structure in seed plant evolution and development.
It is used almost exclusively in advanced botany, plant physiology, palaeobotany (studying fossil plants), and evolutionary biology contexts. It is not a term encountered in everyday language or even in general biology introductions.
A large, haploid spore produced by some plants and algae that develops into a female gametophyte.
Megaspore is usually scientific / technical in register.
Megaspore: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛɡəspɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛɡəˌspɔr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'MEGA' (big) + 'SPORE'. It's the BIG spore that becomes the female part of the plant, unlike the tiny MICROspore.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOUNDATIONAL SEED / FEMALE PRINCIPLE (in a biological context).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a megaspore?