CRYPTOGAMOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Cryptogamous is an adjective derived from the term "cryptogam," which refers to a group of plants that reproduce by spores rather than by seeds. The word itself is a combination of the Greek words "kryptos," meaning hidden, and "gamos," meaning marriage or reproductive union.
A cryptogamous plant is one that does not produce flowers or seeds but instead reproduces by means of spores. These plants include ferns, mosses, liverworts, and certain algae. They are often characterized by their simple structure and lack of specialized reproductive organs. Unlike flowering plants, cryptogamous plants do not rely on the transfer of pollen between male and female reproductive structures, but rather disperse spores that germinate into new individuals.
The term "cryptogamous" can also be used more broadly to describe anything that is concealed, hidden, or difficult to detect. For example, it can refer to the secretive or mysterious nature of certain organisms or processes. In a figurative sense, it may describe something that is obscure, veiled, or not easily understood.
Overall, "cryptogamous" describes not only a specific group of plants with unique reproductive strategies but also more generally denotes the notion of hiding or concealing, which can be applied to various contexts beyond the realm of botany.
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Marked by the absence of flowers and of embryo-containing seeds, noting a plant of the group Cryptogamia, a cryptogam.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Pert. to plants of the order cryptogamia.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CRYPTOGAMOUS
- xryptogamous
- vryptogamous
- fryptogamous
- dryptogamous
- ceyptogamous
- cdyptogamous
- cfyptogamous
- ctyptogamous
- c5yptogamous
- c4yptogamous
- crtptogamous
- crgptogamous
- crhptogamous
- cruptogamous
- cr7ptogamous
- cr6ptogamous
- cryotogamous
- cryltogamous
- cry-togamous
Etymology of CRYPTOGAMOUS
The word "cryptogamous" has its roots in two Greek words: "kryptos" meaning "hidden" or "concealed", and "gamous" meaning "marriage" or "sexual union".
In the botanical context, "cryptogamous" refers to plants that do not produce flowers or have hidden reproductive structures. These plants reproduce through spores or means other than the typical seed production seen in flowering plants. The term was coined in the 18th century when plant classification systems were being developed, and it described a group of plants that were classified based on their reproductive processes rather than their physical characteristics.
The etymology of "cryptogamous" reflects the concept of concealed or hidden reproduction in these plants, emphasizing their unique reproductive methods compared to the majority of flowering plants.
Similar spelling words for CRYPTOGAMOUS
- cryptococcosis,
- cryptobranchus,
- cryptomeria,
- cryptogams,
- cryptogram,
- cryptobiosis,
- cryptomonad,
- cryptological,
- cryptogramma,
- cryptophyta,
- cryptogam,
- cryptogamia,
- cryptorchism,
- cryptoprocta,
- cryptology,
- cryptorchidy,
- cryptologist,
- cryptotermes,
- cryptophyte,
- cryptocercus,
- cryptograph,
- cryptogamies,
- cryptocoryne,
- cryptobiotic,
- cryptogamic,
- cryptotis,
- cryptologic,
- cryptography,
- Cryptotis Parva.
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