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gonidium

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ɡəˈnɪdiəm/

KK: /gəˈnɪdɪəm/

noun
Definition

A type of cell in certain algae that is involved in asexual reproduction and contains chlorophyll.


Example

The gonidia in the lichen help in photosynthesis and reproduction.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of a gonidium?
Sloth B
I think I've come across that term in my biology class.
Sloth A
It's pretty interesting how gonidia help with reproduction in algae.
Sloth B
Yeah, I love learning about the different ways organisms reproduce.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
cell
spore
alga
Antonyms
gamete
zygote
organism
Root Explanation

**Gonidium** → It is formed from "gon-" (from Greek "gonos", meaning offspring or generation) and "-idium" (a diminutive suffix in Greek, often used to indicate a small or lesser form). The word "gonidium" refers to a small reproductive unit or offspring in certain organisms, particularly in the context of algae and fungi.

Memory Tip

Think of 'gon-' meaning 'offspring' and '-idium' suggesting a small form, which helps you remember that a gonidium is a small reproductive unit.

Visually Confused Words
oncidium
ionidium
conidium
oidium
zoogonidium
onchidium
otidium
hologonidium
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