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endospore
/ ɛnˈdɒspərəs; ˌɛndəʊˈspɔːrəs; ˈɛndəʊˌspɔː /
noun
- a small asexual spore produced by some bacteria and algae
- the innermost wall of a spore or pollen grain
endospore
/ ĕn′də-spôr′ /
- A rounded, inactive form that certain bacteria assume under conditions of extreme temperature, dryness, or lack of food. The bacterium develops a waterproof cell wall that protects it from being dried out or damaged. Bacteria have been known to remain dormant but alive in the form of endospores for long periods of time, even thousands of years.
- Also called endosporium
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Derived Forms
- endosporous, adjective
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Other Words From
- en·dos·por·ous [en-, dos, -per-, uh, s, en-doh-, spawr, -, -, spohr, -], adjective
- en·dospor·ous·ly adverb
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Word History and Origins
Origin of endospore1
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Example Sentences
When the spore is coloured, the external membrane alone appears to possess colour, the endospore being constantly hyaline.
From Project Gutenberg
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