Definition

A type of spore that has a thick wall and is often dark in color, produced by certain fungi, particularly rusts and smuts, and is involved in their life cycle.

Example

The teliospore is crucial for the reproduction of rust fungi.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a teliospore?

No, I haven't. What is it?

It's a kind of resting spore that some fungi produce.

That sounds interesting! I didn't know fungi had such unique stages.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Teliospore → It is formed from "telios" (from Greek "telios", meaning complete or perfect) and "spore" (from Greek "spora", meaning seed or to sow). The word refers to a type of spore that is involved in the final stage of the life cycle of certain fungi, indicating a complete or mature form of reproduction.

Memory Tip

Think of 'telios' meaning complete, and 'spore' as a seed — together, they describe a spore that represents the complete stage of a fungus's life cycle.

Visually Confused Words