spore

1 of 3

noun

: a primitive usually unicellular often environmentally resistant dormant or reproductive body produced by plants, fungi, and some microorganisms and capable of development into a new individual either directly or after fusion with another spore
spored adjective

spore

2 of 3

verb

spored; sporing

intransitive verb

: to produce or reproduce by spores

-spore

3 of 3

noun combining form

: spore having (such) a characteristic or origin
aeciospore

Examples of spore in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Initially, scientists believed that fungi were attracting insects to spread spores, but newer research has shown that insects are not particularly attracted to their light. Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2024 The three-stage filtration system can filter airborne particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, bacteria, viruses, and mold spores. Nora Colomer, Fox News, 18 Mar. 2024 Protect –To control powdery mildew, spray off foliage early in the morning to remove fungus spores with a solution of 1 tablespoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon Castile soap, and 1 gallon of water. Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 12 Mar. 2024 Even just running fans could spread mold spores throughout your home, as could removing moldy materials. 2. Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2024 As a result, the strain lost its ability to produce asexual spores. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Mar. 2024 The bacteria's spores can be difficult to kill with heat and disinfectants. Alexander Tin, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2024 These spores tend to survive harsh conditions like extreme temperatures (pasteurization), drying, and even some disinfectants. Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 12 Feb. 2024 For a mushroom to grow, a fungal spore has to set up shop on a surface and produce mycelia. Jude Coleman, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2024
Verb
Two different strains will not contribute equally to spore and stalks. Quanta Magazine, 5 Nov. 2015

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spore.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin spora seed, spore, from Greek, act of sowing, seed, from speirein to sow — more at sperm

Noun combining form

borrowed from New Latin -spora spore entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1836, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spore was in 1836

Dictionary Entries Near spore

Cite this Entry

“Spore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spore. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

spore

1 of 2 noun
ˈspō(ə)r How to pronounce spore (audio)
ˈspȯ(ə)r
: a reproductive body that is produced by fungi and by some plants and microorganisms (as ferns and bacteria) and that usually consists of a single cell and is able to produce a new individual either by developing by itself or after fusion with another spore
spored
ˈspō(ə)rd How to pronounce spore (audio)
ˈspȯ(ə)rd
adjective

spore

2 of 2 verb
spored; sporing
: to produce or reproduce by spores

Medical Definition

spore

1 of 2 noun
: a primitive usually unicellular often environmentally resistant dormant or reproductive body produced by plants, fungi, and some microorganisms and capable of developing into a new individual either directly or after fusion with another spore

spore

2 of 2 intransitive verb
spored; sporing
: to produce or reproduce by spores

More from Merriam-Webster on spore

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