noun
- The female reproductive structure in certain fungi, consisting of the ascogonium and its associated cells, from which asci develop after fertilization.
Usage: technical; mycology
Examples
- The archicarp is a key structure in the life cycle of ascomycete fungi.
- In fungi, the archicarp develops into the ascus-bearing fruiting body after sexual reproduction.
- Mycologists study the archicarp to understand fungal sexual reproduction.