1. Plural of oospore; thick-walled spores produced by certain fungi and algae as a result of sexual reproduction, typically serving as a resting stage.
Usage: biology; mycology; technical

Examples

• The pathogen survives winter by forming oospores in infected plant tissue.
• Oospores are resistant to harsh environmental conditions and can remain dormant for years.
• Researchers identified oospores under the microscope to confirm the species of water mold.
• The fungus produces oospores when two compatible mating types come into contact.
• Oospores germinate in spring when soil moisture and temperature conditions are favorable.