Ascus
/ˈæs.kəs/noun
A saclike structure in which certain fungi produce spores.
Did you know?The word comes from Greek askos, meaning a wineskin or bag, and that same root also gave English the word ask, originally meaning a container or bag.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
askós
“A wineskin, leather bag, or sack”
Late Latin
Latin
ascus
“A sac or bag-like vessel”
19th Century
New Latin
ascus
“A saclike fungal structure containing spores”
Modern English
English
ascus
“A saclike structure in certain fungi that produces spores”