homothallic

1 of 2

adjective

1
: having a haploid phase that produces two kinds of gametes capable of fusing to form a zygote
used especially of algae and fungi
2

homothallism

2 of 2

noun

homo·​thal·​lism
plural -s
: the quality or state of being homothallic

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

hom- + Greek thallein to sprout, grow — more at thallus

First Known Use

Adjective

1904, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of homothallic was in 1904

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Cite this Entry

“Homothallic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homothallic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

homothallic

adjective
: having only one haploid phase that produces two kinds of gametes capable of fusing to form a zygote
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