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.
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 The wheat kernel has three parts: the endosperm, a pocket of starch that makes up about 80% of the whole kernel; the protective outer coating called the bran; and the tiny, fatty, rich germ, the place from which a kernel sprouts. Ryan Kellman, NPR, 10 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 25 Dec. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!