sterigma

noun

ste·​rig·​ma stə-ˈrig-mə How to pronounce sterigma (audio)
plural sterigmata stə-ˈrig-mə-tə How to pronounce sterigma (audio) also sterigmas
: one of the slender stalks at the top of the basidium of some fungi from the tips of which the basidiospores are formed
broadly : a stalk or filament that bears conidia or spermatia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek stērigma support, from stērizein to prop; perhaps akin to Greek stereos solid — more at stare

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sterigma was in 1874

Dictionary Entries Near sterigma

sterid

sterigma

sterilant

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Sterigma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sterigma. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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Medical Definition

sterigma

noun
ste·​rig·​ma stə-ˈrig-mə How to pronounce sterigma (audio)
plural sterigmata -mət-ə How to pronounce sterigma (audio) also sterigmas
: any of the slender stalks at the top of the basidium of some fungi from the tips of which the basidiospores are produced
broadly : a stalk or filament that bears conidia or spermatia
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