perithecium

noun

peri·​the·​ci·​um ˌper-ə-ˈthē-shē-əm How to pronounce perithecium (audio)
-sē-
plural perithecia ˌper-ə-ˈthē-shē-ə How to pronounce perithecium (audio)
-sē-
: a spherical, cylindrical, or flask-shaped hollow fruiting body in various ascomycetous fungi that contains the asci and usually opens by a terminal pore
perithecial
ˌper-ə-ˈthē-sh(ē-)əl How to pronounce perithecium (audio)
-sē-əl
adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from peri- + Greek thēkion, diminutive of thēkē case — more at tick

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perithecium was in 1800

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Cite this Entry

“Perithecium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perithecium. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

perithecium

noun
peri·​the·​ci·​um -ˈthē-sē-əm How to pronounce perithecium (audio)
plural perithecia -sē-ə How to pronounce perithecium (audio)
: a spherical, cylindrical, or flask-shaped hollow fruiting body in various ascomycetous fungi that contains the asci, usually opens by a terminal pore, and sometimes includes the cleistothecium

More from Merriam-Webster on perithecium

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about perithecium

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