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Glite Dictionary
ostiole

ostiole

9.9
A small hole in a fungus or algae that lets spores out
  • noun
  • /ˈɑːstiˌoʊl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ostiolo
  • The fungal fruiting body discharged its spores through an ostiole at the top.

Examples

  • Scientists observed the algae reproducing by releasing spores from each ostiole.

  • In many types of mold, the ostiole allows spores to escape into the air.

  • The ostiole is tiny.

  • Look at that ostiole!

  • In many types of mold, the ostiole allows spores to escape into the air.

  • Scientists observed the algae reproducing by releasing spores from each ostiole.

  • The fungal fruiting body discharged its spores through an ostiole at the top.

Synonyms

os
vsostiole
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A mouthlike opening in a living body that lets water or food pass

is a tiny pore used especially for spore release in certain organisms
ostium
vsostiole
  • Specialized
9.9

A small opening in a body organ that lets fluid or air pass

is specific to pores that release spores in algae and fungi

How Small

opening
179 1.0
orifice
  • Specialized
24 7.5
ostium
  • Specialized
9.9
ostiole
  • Specialized
9.9
pore
45 3.3

Surface Forms

ostiole singular
ostioles plural

Etymology

The word ostiole comes from the Latin ostiolum, a little form of ostium, which means 'door' or 'entrance'. So an ostiole is like a tiny 'door' or hole that lets spores escape, and that explains its modern meaning as a small opening in fungi and algae.