Anther is a term used in botany to describe the part of a flower that produces and contains pollen. It is an important part of the reproductive system of plants and plays a crucial role in pollination. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of anther, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
Anther is defined as the part of a stamen that contains the pollen, which is the male reproductive cells of a flower. It is a small, usually oblong or cylindrical structure that sits atop the filament, which is the stalk-like part of the stamen that supports the anther.
Origin
The word anther comes from the Greek word anthera, which means “flower.” The term was first used in the 17th century to describe the pollen-bearing part of a flower.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, anther is “the part of a stamen that produces and contains pollen.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines anther as “the part of a flower that produces pollen, typically consisting of a slender stalk (the filament) and a terminal sac (the pollen sac).”
Associations
Anther is associated with the process of pollination, which is the transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigma of a flower. This process is essential for the fertilization of plants and the production of seeds.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of anther include pollen sac, pollen-bearing organ, and stamen.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for anther, as it is a specific part of a flower.
The same root words
The word anther does not have any root words, as it is a standalone term.
Example Sentences
- The anther of the flower was covered in pollen.
- The bee collected pollen from the anther of the flower.
- The anther is an important part of the reproductive system of plants.
- The anther and stigma work together to ensure successful pollination.
- The anther and filament make up the stamen of a flower.