noun
- Plural of basidium; specialized fungal cells that produce spores, typically found in basidiomycete fungi such as mushrooms and toadstools.
Usage: technical; biology; mycology
Examples
- The basidia of the mushroom release spores into the air for reproduction.
- Under the microscope, the basidia appeared as club-shaped structures lining the gills.
- Basidiomycete fungi are named for their characteristic basidia.
- The basidia produce four spores each in most mushroom species.
- Mycologists examine basidia to identify and classify fungal specimens.