sterigma

noun

ste·​rig·​ma stə-ˈrig-mə 

plural sterigmata stə-ˈrig-mə-tə  also sterigmas

: one of the slender stalks at the top of the basidium of some fungi from the tips of which the basidiospores are formed

broadly : a stalk or filament that bears conidia or spermatia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek stērigma support, from stērizein to prop; perhaps akin to Greek stereos solid — more at stare

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

sterigma

noun

ste·​rig·​ma stə-ˈrig-mə 

plural sterigmata -mət-ə  also sterigmas

: any of the slender stalks at the top of the basidium of some fungi from the tips of which the basidiospores are produced

broadly : a stalk or filament that bears conidia or spermatia