Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
gymnosperm
noun
/ˈdʒɪm.nəˌspɜːrm/
Definition
Gymnosperms are a group of plants that produce seeds that are not enclosed within an ovary or fruit.
Examples
- Most conifers (like pine trees) are gymnosperms.
- The gymnosperm life cycle includes distinct male and female cones.
- Ginkgo biloba, a living fossil, is a type of gymnosperm tree.
Meaning
The term ‘gymnosperm’ comes from the Greek words ‘gymnos’, meaning naked, and ‘sperma’, meaning seed. This refers to the unique characteristic of these plants, where their seeds are exposed rather than hidden within a fruit.
Synonyms
- Conifer
- Evergreen
- Naked-seed plant
