pollen

pol-len · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A fine powdery substance produced by the anthers of flowering plants, containing male reproductive cells.

  2. 2.

    The substance that causes allergic reactions in many people during certain seasons.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    pollen count — a measure of the amount of pollen in the air
  • •
    pollen allergy — an allergic reaction to pollen, also called hay fever
  • •
    pollen grain — a single unit of pollen

Related words

See also: allergy, flower, pollinate
Synonyms: flower dust, spores

Etymology

From Latin pollen ("fine flour, mill dust"), related to pulvis ("dust"). The botanical term was adopted in English in the 18th century.