SKIP TO CONTENT

zoospore

Other forms: zoospores

In biology, a zoospore is a tiny, seed-like cell that propels itself using a long appendage called a flagellum. Some types of bacteria and fungi have zoospores, whose mobility helps them reproduce more efficiently.

For some organisms, like moss, mushrooms, and ferns, tiny spores are the way they reproduce. A zoospore is simply a type of spore that can move around on its own, using its whip-like tail as a propeller. If you take a biology class, you might learn about protozoans and fungi that use zoospores to propagate themselves. This word is formed by adding the prefix zoo-, "animal or living being," to spore, from the Greek spora, or "seed."

Definitions of zoospore
  1. noun
    an asexual spore of some algae and fungi that moves by means of flagella
    see moresee less
    type of:
    spore
    a small usually single-celled asexual reproductive body produced by many nonflowering plants and fungi and some bacteria and protozoans and that are capable of developing into a new individual without sexual fusion
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘zoospore'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family