gametangium

noun

gam·​etan·​gi·​um ˌga-mə-ˈtan-jē-əm How to pronounce gametangium (audio)
plural gametangia ˌga-mə-ˈtan-jē-ə How to pronounce gametangium (audio)
: a cell or organ (as of an alga, fern, or fungus) in which gametes are developed

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German, from Gamet gamete + New Latin -angium "receptacle" (after sporangium)

Note: Introduced, together with the word Gamet, by Eduard Strasburger (see note at gamete).

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gametangium was in 1878

Rhymes for gametangium

See All Rhymes for gametangium

Browse Nearby Words

gametangial
gametangium
gamete
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gametangium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gametangium. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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Medical Definition

gametangium

noun
gam·​etan·​gi·​um ˌgam-ə-ˈtan-jē-əm How to pronounce gametangium (audio)
plural gametangia -jē-ə How to pronounce gametangium (audio)
: a cell or organ in which gametes are developed

More from Merriam-Webster on gametangium

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gametangium

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