homothallic

adjective ho·mo·thal·lic \ˌhō-mō-ˈtha-lik\

Definition of HOMOTHALLIC

: having a haploid phase that produces two kinds of gametes capable of fusing to form a zygote —used especially of algae and fungi

— ho·mo·thal·lism \-ˈtha-ˌli-zəm\ noun

hom- + Greek thallein to sprout, grow — more at thallus

First Known Use: 1904

Medical Dictionary

adjective ho·mo·thal·lic \ˌhō-mō-ˈthal-ik\

: having only one haploid phase that produces two kinds of gametes capable of fusing to form a zygote

—ho·mo·thal·lism \-ˈthal-ˌiz-əm\ noun

Next Word in the Dictionary: homotheticPrevious Word in the Dictionary: homotaxyAll Words Near: homothallic

What made you want to look up homothallic? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears