‖ apothecium Bot.
(æpəʊˈθiːʃɪəm)
Pl. -a.
[mod.L., a. Gr. *ἀποθήκιον, dim. of ἀποθήκη: see apothec.]
The ‘shield’ or spore-case, containing the fructification in lichens.
| 1830 Lindley Nat. Syst. Bot. 331. 1861 H. Macmillan Footn. Page Nat. 72 Apothecia correspond with the flowers of the higher plants. |