cryptogam

noun

cryp·to·gam ˈkrip-tə-ˌgam

: a plant or plantlike organism (such as a fern, moss, alga, or fungus) reproducing by spores and not producing flowers or seed

cryptogamic

ˌkrip-tə-ˈga-mik

adjective

or less commonly cryptogamous

krip-ˈtä-gə-məs

Examples of cryptogam in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

There is a huge potential in alternative materials sourced from unconventional, undervalued, small species like cryptogams, bacteria, and fungi. —

Charles Curkin, ELLE Decor, 22 Sep. 2019

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French cryptogame "cryptogamous, cryptogam" (after Cryptogamia, Linnaean group of non-seed-bearing plants), from crypto- crypto- + -game -gamous

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of cryptogam was in 1799

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Style

“Cryptogam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cryptogam. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

cryptogam

noun

cryp·to·gam ˈkrip-tə-ˌgam

: a plant or plantlike organism (as a fern, moss, alga, or fungus) reproducing by spores and not producing flowers or seed

cryptogamic

ˌkrip-tə-ˈgam-ik

adjective

or cryptogamous

krip-ˈtäg-ə-məs

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cryptogam

noun

Examples of cryptogam in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near cryptogam

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