First Known Use: circa 1838
Dictionary
gymnosperm
noun gym·no·sperm \ˈjim-nə-ˌspərm\
Definition of GYMNOSPERM
: any of a group of vascular plants that produce naked seeds not enclosed in an ovary, that were formerly considered a class (Gymnospermae) of seed plants, but that are now considered polyphyletic in origin and divided into several extinct divisions and four divisions with surviving members typified by the cycadophytes, conifers, ginkgo, and ephedras — compare angiosperm
— gym·no·sper·mous \ˌjim-nə-ˈspər-məs\ adjective
— gym·no·sper·my \ˈjim-nə-ˌspər-mē\ noun
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Origin of GYMNOSPERM
ultimately from Greek gymnos + sperma seed — more at sperm
Medical Dictionary
gymnosperm
noun gym·no·sperm \ˈjim-nə-ˌspərm\
Medical Definition of GYMNOSPERM
: any of a class or subdivision (Gymnospermae) of woody vascular seed plants (as conifers or cycads) that produce naked seeds not enclosed in an ovary and that in some instances have motile spermatozoids—compare angiosperm
—gym·no·sper·mous \ˌjim-nə-ˈspər-məs\ adjective
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