apothecium

noun apo·the·ci·um \ˌa-pə-ˈthē-shē-əm, -sē-\

plural -cia \-shē-ə, -sē-\

Definition of APOTHECIUM

: a spore-bearing structure in many lichens and fungi consisting of a discoid or cupped body bearing asci on the exposed flat or concave surface

— apo·the·cial \-sh(ē-)əl, -sē-əl\ adjective

New Latin, from Latin apotheca

First Known Use: 1830

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