cryptogam

noun cryp·to·gam \ˈkrip-tə-ˌgam\

Definition of CRYPTOGAM

: a plant or plantlike organism (as a fern, moss, alga, or fungus) reproducing by spores and not producing flowers or seed

— cryp·to·gam·ic \ˌkrip-tə-ˈga-mik\ also cryp·tog·a·mous \krip-ˈtä-gə-məs\ adjective

ultimately from Greek kryptos + -gamia -gamy

First Known Use: 1847

Medical Dictionary

noun cryp·to·gam \ˈkrip-tə-ˌgam\

: a plant or plantlike organism (as a fern, moss, alga, or fungus) reproducing by spores and not producing flowers or seed

—cryp·to·gam·ic \ˌkrip-tə-ˈgam-ik\ or cryp·tog·a·mous \krip-ˈtäg-ə-məs\ adjective

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