There is one meaning in OED's entry for the adjective zoosporous. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.
The earliest known use of the adjective zoosporous is in the 1840s.
OED's earliest evidence for zoosporous is from 1845, in the writing of A. H. Hassall.
Nearby entries
- zooscopy, n.1891–
- zoosematic, adj.1898–1909
- zoosemiotics, n.1963–
- zoosophy, n.1662–1848
- zoosperm, n.1824–
- zoospermatic, adj.1845–79
- zoosporangiophore, n.1889–
- zoosporangium, n.1862–
- zoospore, n.1842–
- zoosporic, adj.1854–
- zoosporous, adj.1845–
- zoot, n.1942–
- zootaxy, n.1833–
- zootechnic, adj.1861–
- zootechnics, n.1863–
- zootechny, n.1841–
- zootheca, n.1852–
- zoothecium, n.1880–
- zootheism, n.1879–
- zootheist, n.1879–
- zootheistic, adj.1879–
1845–
Producing zoospores; of the nature of, or effected by zoospores; =
zoosporic adj.Stressed as zooˈsporous.
1845
The contents of the undoubted zoosporous Algæ are.., for the most part, fluid.
A. H. Hassall, Hist. Brit. Freshwater Algæ vol. I. 25
1855
The occurrence of zoosporous reproduction under the most simple conditions.
Todd's Cyclopædia of Anatomy & Physiology vol. V. 212/2
1975
Somatic nuclear divisions in aquatic zoosporous fungi.
American Journal of Botany vol. 62 349/1
Of or pertaining to form, n., in various senses. Pertaining to the specific form of an animal or plant. Of a seed or germ: Endowed with a…
Having the character of, pertaining to, a sporule.
Producing zoospores; of the nature of, or effected by zoospores; = zoosporic, adj.
Producing zoospores; of the nature of, or effected by zoospores; = zoosporous, adj.
Containing or producing numerous spores; involving or characterized by the production of numerous spores.
Chiefly Zoology. Of, relating to, or designating a parasitic sporozoan whose oocysts produce a large number of sporozoites. rare.
Of the nature of or producing zygospores.
Of or derived from many spores; = polysporous, adj.
Of or relating to a propagule or propagules.
Originally published as part of the entry for zoospore, n.
zoospore, n. was revised in June 2017.
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