cryptogam

[ krip-tuh-gam ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Botany.

any of the Cryptogamia, a former primary division of plants that have no true flowers or seeds and that reproduce by spores, as the ferns, mosses, fungi, and algae.

cryptogam

/ ˈkrɪptəʊˌɡæm; krɪpˈtɒɡəməs /

See phanerogam
(in former plant classification schemes) any organism that does not produce seeds, including algae, fungi, mosses, and ferns Compare phanerogam

crypto·gamic cryp·tog·a·mous [krip-, tog, -, uh, -m, uh, s], crypto·gami·cal adjective
cryp·toga·mist noun
cryp·toga·my noun

From the New Latin word Cryptogamia, dating back to 1840–50. See crypto-, -gamy

C19: from New Latin Cryptogamia, from crypto- + Greek gamos marriage

The insect which seeks it does not come from a distance; it inhabits the places wherein the cryptogam is found.

They mock at wounds who never confronted a foe more tangible than a Baconian cryptogam.

This irritation induces abnormal proliferation of epithelium, upon which the spores of the cryptogam then germinate.

The papilla continues to elongate and the cryptogam to increase, until finally it invades nearly the entire length of the papilla.

In no plant belonging to this sub-kingdom—in no single cryptogam—is any flower ever developed.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse