gymnosperm
noun
gym·no·sperm ˈjim-nə-ˌspərm 
: any of a group of vascular plants that produce naked seeds not enclosed in an ovary, that were formerly considered a class (Gymnospermae) of seed plants, but that are now considered polyphyletic in origin and divided into several extinct divisions and four divisions with surviving members typified by the cycadophytes, conifers, ginkgo, and ephedras compare angiosperm
gymnospermous
ˌjim-nə-ˈspər-məs
adjective gymnospermy
ˈjim-nə-ˌspər-mē
noun 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web After the crisis, the dominant seedless ferns were supplanted by seed-bearing gymnosperms such as conifers and ginkgoes. 
National Geographic, 18 Dec. 2019 Yet, once angiosperms emerged, their structural and functional diversity exploded — far outpacing the diversification and spread of the other major plant groups, the gymnosperms (including conifers) and ferns. Quanta Magazine, 16 June 2019
National Geographic, 18 Dec. 2019 Yet, once angiosperms emerged, their structural and functional diversity exploded — far outpacing the diversification and spread of the other major plant groups, the gymnosperms (including conifers) and ferns. Quanta Magazine, 16 June 2019 Word History
Etymology
ultimately from Greek gymnos + sperma seed — more at sperm
First Known Use
circa 1838, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
gymnosperm
noun
gym·no·sperm ˈjim-nə-ˌspərm
: any of a class or subdivision (Gymnospermae) of woody vascular seed plants (as conifers or cycads) that produce naked seeds not enclosed in an ovary and that in some instances have motile spermatozoids compare angiosperm