anther

noun

an·​ther ˈan(t)-thər How to pronounce anther (audio)
: the part of a stamen that produces and contains pollen and is usually borne on a stalk see flower illustration
antheral
ˈan(t)-thə-rəl How to pronounce anther (audio)
adjective

Examples of anther in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Butterflies are drawn to the dark red petals surrounding golden anthers. — Steve Bender, Southern Living, 22 May 2024 To prolong the plant’s blooming period, avoid placing it in hot places, such as near radiators or heating vents, Extend the life of each flower by cutting off the anthers sticking out from the center of the petals as soon as a bud opens. — Derek Carwood, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin anthēra, going back to Medieval Latin, "medication made from a flower, internal organs of a rose flower (used to make such medications)," going back to Latin, "medication made from a flower," borrowed from Greek anthērá, noun derivative from feminine of anthērós "of a flower, flowery, blooming," from anthe-, ánthos "flower" + -ēros, variant, before s-stems, of -ros, adjective suffix — more at antho-

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anther was in 1783

Rhymes for anther

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Browse Nearby Words

anthemwise
anther
-anthera
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Cite this Entry

“Anther.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anther. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

anther

noun
an·​ther ˈan(t)-thər How to pronounce anther (audio)
: the part of the stamen of a flower that produces and contains pollen and is usually borne on a stalk

More from Merriam-Webster on anther

Nglish: Translation of anther for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about anther

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