cryptogam

noun

cryp·​to·​gam ˈkrip-tə-ˌgam How to pronounce cryptogam (audio)
: a plant or plantlike organism (such as a fern, moss, alga, or fungus) reproducing by spores and not producing flowers or seed
cryptogamic adjective
or less commonly cryptogamous

Examples of cryptogam 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.
There is a huge potential in alternative materials sourced from unconventional, undervalued, small species like cryptogams, bacteria, and fungi. Charles Curkin, ELLE Decor, 22 Sep. 2019

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French cryptogame "cryptogamous, cryptogam" (after Cryptogamia, Linnaean group of non-seed-bearing plants), from crypto- crypto- + -game -gamous

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cryptogam was in 1799

Dictionary Entries Near cryptogam

Cite this Entry

“Cryptogam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cryptogam. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

cryptogam

noun
cryp·​to·​gam ˈkrip-tə-ˌgam How to pronounce cryptogam (audio)
: a plant or plantlike organism (as a fern, moss, alga, or fungus) reproducing by spores and not producing flowers or seed
cryptogamic adjective
or cryptogamous
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!