Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

antheridium

noun

/ˌænθəˈrɪdiəm/

Definition

A male reproductive structure in certain plants, fungi, and algae that produces and releases sperm cells.

Examples

The antheridium of the moss produces motile sperm cells for fertilization.
In many ferns, the antheridia are located on the undersides of the leaves.
During reproduction, water is essential for the sperm to swim from the antheridium to the egg cell.

Meaning

Antheridium refers to the male gametangium, which is the site where sperm is produced. It is commonly found in non-flowering plants, such as ferns and mosses, as well as in some fungi and algae.