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

The fall environment can also produce more allergic reactions, Villegas said, particularly as ragweed pollen levels increase. —Alyssa Hui, Health, 28 Oct. 2024

Zoom in: Phoenix's pollen levels tracked at medium or medium-high levels all of September, according to Pollen.com. —Jessica Boehm, Axios, 7 Oct. 2024

What’s more, those tiny little pollen granules can seep into cracks around your window, affecting your indoor air quality as well. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2024

To find out why, Sokol and other allergists are researching how dust mites, cat and dog dander, or pollen are detected by the body. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 4 Sep. 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