gymnosperm

Term: gymnosperm

Literally meaning: “naked seed”

Origin: Anc Greek

γυμνός/gymnos (=naked) 

σπέρμα (=seed) > σπείρω/spearo (=disperse)

Coined/History

The term was coined by ancient Greek philosopher Theophrastus (c.371-c.287 BC) one of the Aristotle’s pupils.

Definition

Gymnosperm is any plant, as members of the genus Pinus, in which the ovules are not enclosed in the ovary. At the time of pollination the ovules are exposed unlike in angiospems where are they enclosed in an ovary