endosperm

noun

en·​do·​sperm ˈen-dō-ˌspərm How to pronounce endosperm (audio)
: a nutritive tissue in seed plants formed within the embryo sac by division of the endosperm nucleus

Examples of endosperm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Guar gum: The ground endosperm of the guar bean, it can be used like xanthan gum in doughs to improve texture, but it also is used in dairy and meat products as a thickener or binder. Nina Lincoff, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 Whole grain sorghum includes the bran, endosperm, and germ. Lauren Manaker Ms, Rdn, Ld, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2023 The bran is the outer layer of the grain kernel that helps protect the grain, the endosperm stores protein and the germ is the part that develops a new plant. Perri Ormont Blumberg, Southern Living, 20 July 2023 While white flour is made from just the endosperm, whole-wheat flour is made by recombining the three parts after milling. Perri Ormont Blumberg, Southern Living, 20 July 2023 All whole grains contain three parts: the bran, the endosperm, and the germ. Perri Ormont Blumberg, Southern Living, 20 July 2023 When making white bread, manufacturers remove the germ and the bran and just use the endosperm. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 16 Apr. 2023 Whole grains are made of three parts: the germ, bran and endosperm. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2023 The endosperm is the germ's starchy food supply. Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health.com, 20 Oct. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'endosperm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French endosperme, from end- + Greek sperma seed — more at sperm

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of endosperm was in 1819

Dictionary Entries Near endosperm

Cite this Entry

“Endosperm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endosperm. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

endosperm

noun
en·​do·​sperm ˈen-də-ˌspərm How to pronounce endosperm (audio)
: a food-containing tissue formed within the seed in seed plants

More from Merriam-Webster on endosperm

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