How Do You Spell STERIGMA?

Pronunciation: [stˈɛɹɪɡmə] (IPA)

Sterigma is a word that refers to a stalk-like structure found on certain fungi. Its spelling can be somewhat confusing due to the presence of both a silent "g" and an "i" that is pronounced differently than usual. The IPA phonetic transcription for sterigma is /sˈtɛ.ɹ.ɪ.dʒə.mə/, which breaks down the pronunciation into individual sounds. The "st" is straightforward, but the "e" between the "t" and "r" is pronounced like "eh." The "g" is silent, and the "i" is pronounced like "ih" rather than "ee."

STERIGMA Meaning and Definition

1. Sterigma is a noun that refers to a small, elongated structure found in certain fungi. It is derived from the Greek word "sterēgma," meaning support or prop. In mycology (the study of fungi), sterigma specifically denotes the stalk-like structure that supports and carries the basidiospores, also known as the terminal cells or the ends of a basidium.

   The sterigma develops at the apex of a basidium, which is a microscopic reproductive structure found in basidiomycetes, a group of fungi known for their production of sexual spores. At its base, the sterigma is attached to the basidium, and it extends outward to hold the basidiospores at its tip.

   This specialized structure plays a crucial role in the reproductive cycle of basidiomycetes. Once the basidium matures, the sterigma helps dislodge and release the basidiospores into the surrounding environment. These spores are responsible for the dispersal and subsequent formation of new fungal colonies.

   The sterigma is distinct in its elongated shape, serving as a support structure for the basidiospores. Its presence and morphology are important distinguishing features when identifying different species of fungi and understanding their reproductive mechanisms.

   In conclusion, sterigma refers to the small stalk-like structure found in certain fungi that carries and supports the basidiospores, facilitating their dispersal and reproduction.

2. In botany, the stalk which bears the gonidium or spore in fungi.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for STERIGMA

• aterigma
• zterigma
• xterigma
• dterigma
• eterigma
• wterigma
• srerigma
• sferigma
• sgerigma
• syerigma
• s6erigma
• s5erigma
• stwrigma
• stsrigma
• stdrigma
• strrigma
• st4rigma
• st3rigma
• steeigma
• stedigma

Etymology of STERIGMA

The word "sterigma" has its roots in the Greek language. It comes from the Greek word "stereos", meaning solid or firm, and the suffix "-ma", which denotes a result or product of an action. In the context of "sterigma", the word is used to describe a structure or projection found on certain fungi, which is believed to be a result of a solidification process.

Plural form of STERIGMA is STERIGMAE OR STERIGMAS