endosperm

noun

en·​do·​sperm ˈen-dō-ˌspərm How to pronounce endosperm (audio)
plural endosperms
: a nutritive tissue in the seed of a flowering plant that is formed within the embryo sac following double fertilization

Examples of endosperm 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.
Whole grains are intact grains containing the germ, bran, and endosperm of the grain. Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 4 Jan. 2025 Bread Whole-grain breads, which include whole wheat bread, retain the bran, germ, and endosperm in the grains used to make them. Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2024 Manufacturers remove the bran and germ from the grain to make white bread, leaving only the endosperm. Aviv Joshua, Verywell Health, 7 Oct. 2024 All whole grains contain three parts: the bran, the endosperm, and the germ. Perri Ormont Blumberg, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for endosperm 

Word History

Etymology

French endosperme, from end- + Greek sperma seed — more at sperm

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of endosperm was in 1819

Dictionary Entries Near endosperm

Cite this Entry

“Endosperm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endosperm. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

endosperm

noun
en·​do·​sperm ˈen-də-ˌspərm How to pronounce endosperm (audio)
: a food-containing tissue formed within the seed in seed plants

More from Merriam-Webster on endosperm

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