Antheridia

( Physiol. ) The name applied to all the various structures in which the fertilizing function of reproduction resides in flowerle or cryptogamic plants, and which consequently correspond physiologically with the anthers of the flowering plants. In the cells of which they are composed there are extremely minute bodies, which are endowed with spontaneous motion when placed in water. This motion is owing to the presence of cilia upon them. These moving bodies are known by the name of Spermatozoa. q. v. An the rifer ous, a . [From Eng. anther , and Lat. fero, I bear.] ( Bot . ) Applied to the male part of flowers; bearing anthers. An'theroid, a . [From Eng. anther , and Gr. eidos , form.] ( Bot .) Resembling an anther. An the's is, n . [Gr., a blo om.] ( Bot ) Efflorescence, or that state of vegetation in which the flower is completely developed. An the ste'ria, n . pl . [Gr.] In Grecian antiquity, festivals celebrated in the spring by the A then i ans, in honor of Bacchus, during which the masters feasted their slaves, as the Romans did in the time of the Saturnalia-From those festivals, the 8th month of the Attic year, answering to the end of February and beginning of March, was named A nth ester i on .