pollen

noun

pol·​len ˈpä-lən 

1

: a mass of microspores in a seed plant appearing usually as a fine dust

2

: a dusty bloom on the body of an insect

Examples of pollen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

All pollen aside, when spring flowers are blooming and the weather has turned from cool to mild in the Charlotte area, there’s a short window to head outside and go camping before summer temperatures take over. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 30 Apr. 2024

Kumar’s previous research has shown that how much pollen, and what type of pollen is in the air, varies by location. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin pollin-, pollen, from Latin, fine flour

First Known Use

1723, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pollen

• pollen basket
• pollen count
• pollen grain
• pollen mother cell
• pollen sac
• pollen tube

Kids Definition

pollen

noun

pol·​len ˈpäl-ən 

: a mass of tiny particles in the anthers of a flower that fertilize the seeds and usually appear as fine yellow dust

Medical Definition

pollen

noun

pol·​len ˈpäl-ən 

: a mass of male spores in a seed plant appearing usually as a fine dust