A1 noun Neutral

spore

/spɔːr/

A very small cell made by some plants and fungi, like mushrooms or ferns. It can travel through the air or water to grow into a new plant or mushroom.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The mushroom releases a tiny spore into the wind.

The mushroom releases a tiny spore into the wind.

2

The scientist observed the spore using a powerful microscope.

The scientist observed the spore using a powerful microscope.

3

Check out these spores on the back of the fern leaf!

Check out these spores on the back of the fern leaf!

Word Family

Noun
spore
Verb
sporulate
Adjective
sporous
Related
sporogenesis
💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'S' for 'Small' and 'Seed'. A spore is like a super-Small seed.

Quick Quiz

The wind carries the ______ from the mushroom to a new place in the forest.

Correct!

The correct answer is: spore

Examples

1

The mushroom releases a tiny spore into the wind.

everyday

The mushroom releases a tiny spore into the wind.

2

The scientist observed the spore using a powerful microscope.

formal

The scientist observed the spore using a powerful microscope.

3

Check out these spores on the back of the fern leaf!

informal

Check out these spores on the back of the fern leaf!

4

Each individual spore contains the genetic material needed for growth.

academic

Each individual spore contains the genetic material needed for growth.

5

The factory must maintain low spore levels to ensure food safety.

business

The factory must maintain low spore levels to ensure food safety.

Word Family

Noun
spore
Verb
sporulate
Adjective
sporous
Related
sporogenesis

Common Collocations

fungal spore a spore from a fungus or mushroom
release spores to let out tiny spores into the air
spore count the number of spores in the air
airborne spore a spore that travels through the air
microscopic spore a spore so small you need a microscope to see it

Common Phrases

spore cloud

a large group of spores moving together in the air

spore print

a pattern made by placing a mushroom cap on paper

bacterial spore

a protective state used by certain bacteria

Often Confused With

spore vs seed

Seeds are larger and more complex; spores are microscopic and simple.

spore vs pore

A pore is a tiny opening in skin, while a spore is a reproductive cell.

📝

Usage Notes

Use this word when talking about how mushrooms, ferns, and molds reproduce. It is more technical than the word 'seed'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Don't confuse 'spore' with 'pore'. Remember that mushrooms have spores, but skin has pores.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'S' for 'Small' and 'Seed'. A spore is like a super-Small seed.

📖

Word Origin

From the Greek word 'spora', which means 'a sowing' or 'a seed'.

Grammar Patterns

countable noun plural form: spores usually used with verbs like 'release' or 'spread'
🌍

Cultural Context

In modern pop culture, spores are often mentioned in science fiction stories about alien plants or fungi.

Quick Quiz

The wind carries the ______ from the mushroom to a new place in the forest.

Correct!

The correct answer is: spore

More nature words

algae

A1

Algae are simple plants that grow in or near water and do not have ordinary leaves or roots. They can be very small like green spots or very large like seaweed found in the ocean.

fungi

A1

Fungi are a large group of living things, such as mushrooms, molds, and yeast, that grow on soil or old plants. They are different from plants because they do not use the sun to make food, but instead break down dead material.

predator

A1

A predator is an animal that hunts, kills, and eats other animals to survive. This word is also used to describe people or companies that take advantage of others.

prey

A1

Prey is an animal that is caught and killed by another animal for food. It is the animal that is hunted in nature.

carnivore

A1

A carnivore is an animal that gets its food from eating other animals. These animals are often called meat-eaters and have special teeth for hunting and eating flesh.

herbivore

A1

A herbivore is an animal that eats only plants, such as grass, leaves, and fruits. These animals do not eat meat or other animals.

savanna

A1

A savanna is a large, flat area of land covered with grass and only a few scattered trees. It is mostly found in hot regions, such as Africa and South America, and supports a wide variety of wildlife.

estuary

A1

An estuary is the wide part of a river where it joins the sea. It is a unique place where fresh water from the river mixes with salty water from the ocean.

undergrowth

A1

Undergrowth refers to the small plants, bushes, and shrubs that grow on the ground beneath the taller trees in a forest or wood. It is often dense and can make walking through the area difficult.

germination

A1

Germination is the process where a seed starts to grow into a new plant. It happens when the seed has enough water, the right temperature, and oxygen.

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