archegonium

noun

Meaning

A multicellular, flask-shaped reproductive organ found in mosses, ferns, and some gymnosperms that produces and protects the female gamete.

Examples

  • The archegonium provides a moist environment essential for the sperm to swim toward the egg.
  • Botanists examined the underside of the fern frond to locate the mature archegonium.

Synonyms: female reproductive organ, gametangium