spore

1 of 3

noun

ˈspȯr 

: a primitive usually unicellular often environmentally resistant dormant or reproductive body produced by plants, fungi, and some microorganisms and capable of development into a new individual either directly or after fusion with another spore

spored

ˈspȯrd 

adjective

spore

2 of 3

verb

spored; sporing

intransitive verb

: to produce or reproduce by spores

-spore

3 of 3

noun combining form

: spore having (such) a characteristic or origin

aeciospore

Examples of spore in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Its spores cause instant hallucinations that are incredibly powerful. —Erik Kain, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

In the spring, these fruiting structures release spores into the air. —Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2024

Verb

Two different strains will not contribute equally to spore and stalks. —Quanta Magazine, 5 Nov. 2015

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin spora seed, spore, from Greek, act of sowing, seed, from speirein to sow — more at sperm

Noun combining form

borrowed from New Latin -spora spore entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1836, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1866, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing spore

• milky spore disease
• spore case
• swarm spore

Kids Definition

spore

1 of 2 noun

ˈspō(ə)r 

ˈspȯ(ə)r

: a reproductive body that is produced by fungi and by some plants and microorganisms (as ferns and bacteria) and that usually consists of a single cell and is able to produce a new individual either by developing by itself or after fusion with another spore

spored

ˈspō(ə)rd 

ˈspȯ(ə)rd

adjective

spore

2 of 2 verb

spored; sporing

: to produce or reproduce by spores

Medical Definition

spore

1 of 2 noun

ˈspō(ə)r, ˈspȯ(ə)r 

: a primitive usually unicellular often environmentally resistant dormant or reproductive body produced by plants, fungi, and some microorganisms and capable of developing into a new individual either directly or after fusion with another spore

spore

2 of 2 intransitive verb

spored; sporing

: to produce or reproduce by spores