cryptogam

noun

cryp·​to·​gam ˈkrip-tə-ˌgam 

: a plant or plantlike organism (such as a fern, moss, alga, or fungus) reproducing by spores and not producing flowers or seed

cryptogamic

ˌkrip-tə-ˈga-mik 

adjective

or less commonly cryptogamous

krip-ˈtä-gə-məs 

Examples of cryptogam in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There is a huge potential in alternative materials sourced from unconventional, undervalued, small species like cryptogams, bacteria, and fungi. — Charles Curkin, ELLE Decor, 22 Sep. 2019

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French cryptogame "cryptogamous, cryptogam" (after Cryptogamia, Linnaean group of non-seed-bearing plants), from crypto- crypto- + -game -gamous

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

cryptogam

noun

cryp·​to·​gam ˈkrip-tə-ˌgam 

: a plant or plantlike organism (as a fern, moss, alga, or fungus) reproducing by spores and not producing flowers or seed

cryptogamic

ˌkrip-tə-ˈgam-ik 

adjective

or cryptogamous

krip-ˈtäg-ə-məs