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Glite Dictionary
spore sac

spore sac

8.0
A small baglike part on ferns and fungi that holds tiny cells that grow into new plants
  • noun
  • /spɔr sæk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : saco de esporas
  • The fern's spore sacs can be seen as small clusters under its leaves.

Examples

  • Many fungi release their spores when the spore sac bursts open.

  • The spore sac releases thousands of spores.

  • Scientists observed the development of the spore sac in the microscopic images.

  • Fungi produce a spore sac for reproduction.

  • Many fungi release their spores when the spore sac bursts open.

  • Scientists observed the development of the spore sac in the microscopic images.

  • The fern's spore sac produces small clusters under its leaves.

Synonyms

spore case
vsspore sac
  • Specialized
7.2

A small bag on a plant or fungus that holds tiny parts for making new plants

is used mainly for fungi and ferns rather than many groups
sporangium
vsspore sac
  • Specialized
9.9

A small part in fungi or some plants that makes and holds spores

also covers structures that hold spores, not only those that produce them

Surface Forms

spore sac singular
spore sacs plural

Morphology

spore + sac

The meaning 'an organ or structure containing spores' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'spore' (a reproductive cell) with 'sac' (a container-like structure). This noun–noun compounding pattern is straightforward and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Spore sac is a small sac or 'bag' in fungi and ferns that holds spores, which are like very small seeds. When the spore sac opens or bursts, it releases the spores, so the name refers to the part that holds and spreads these tiny seed-like cells.