Definition

A type of organism, like a fungus or bacterium, that lives inside a plant, often forming a close relationship with it, which can be either helpful or harmful.

Example

The endophyte helped the plant resist disease and grow better in dry conditions.

Conversation

Did you know that some plants have an endophyte living inside them?

Really? What does that even mean?

It means there's a fungus or microorganism that helps the plant in some way.

That's fascinating! I had no idea plants could have such partnerships.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Endophyte → It is formed from "endo-" (meaning within) and "phyton" (from Greek, meaning plant). The word "endophyte" refers to a plant that lives within another plant, typically in a symbiotic relationship.

Memory Tip

Think of something that lives 'within' ('endo-') a 'plant' ('phyton') — that's why endophyte refers to a plant living inside another.

Visually Confused Words