Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

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Noun.

[NL., fr. Gr.

περί

around + [GREEK] box.]

(Bot.)

An organ in certain fungi and lichens, surrounding and enveloping the masses of fructification.

Henslow.

perithecium ‎(plural perithecia)

An ascocarp shaped like a skittle or ball, distinguished by a small pore, the ostiole, through which the spores are released one by one when ripe.