An asexual spore produced in the carposporangium of red algae, resulting from the fusion of male and female reproductive cells.
From Greek 'karpos' (fruit) + 'spore' (from 'sporos,' seed). This biological term emerged in late 19th-century phycology as microscopy revealed algal reproduction.
Carpospores are nature's cloning system—they're genetically identical copies produced without sexual mixing, allowing red seaweed to spread rapidly and fill entire ecosystems with genetically matched populations.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.