The female organ in Cryptogams, corresponding to the pistil in flowering plants.

= archegonium, n.

Mycology and Botany. The female gametangium of certain algae, fungi, etc., usually a rounded cell or sac containing one or more oospheres.

a hair-like process forming the receptive part of the female reproductive organ or procarp in certain algæ and fungi.

In certain red algae: a compact female reproductive structure consisting of one or more carpogonial branches with associated supporting and…

Botany. The enlarged, basal part of an archegonium, where the egg cells develop.