sporulating
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /spɔːrʊˈleɪtɪŋ/
KK: /spɔrʊleɪtɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that is producing spores, which are tiny reproductive cells in certain plants, fungi, and bacteria.
Example
The sporulating fungi released clouds of spores into the air.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: more sporulating
Superlative: most sporulating
Conversation
I was reading about mushrooms, and did you know some are sporulating right now?
Really? I had no idea they could do that so quickly!
Yeah, it’s fascinating how they produce spores to reproduce.
Nature is amazing — I should learn more about fungi.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
spore-producing
reproductive
propagative
Antonyms
sterile
barren
infertile
verb
Definition
The process of producing spores, which are reproductive cells that can develop into new organisms.
Example
The fungi are sporulating, releasing spores into the air.
Tense Forms
Past: sporulated
Past Participle: sporulated
Conversation
Have you ever seen mold sporulating in a petri dish?
I haven't, but I've read it's quite fascinating to observe.
Yeah, it's interesting how they release spores when sporulating.
Root Explanation
Sporulating → It is formed from "spora" (from Greek "spora", meaning seed or sowing) and "-ulate" (a suffix used to form verbs indicating a process). The word "sporulating" refers to the process of producing or dispersing spores, akin to sowing seeds.
Memory Tip
Think of 'spora' as 'seeds' being 'sown' in the process of sporulating, which means producing spores.
Visually Confused Words
spouting
sprouting
isolating