Microspores of seed plants carried by wind or insects prior to fertilization; important in the etiology of hay fever and other allergies. [L. fine dust, fine flour]
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pol·len 'päl-ən n a mass of male spores in a seed plant appearing usu. as a fine dust
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pol·len (polґən) the mass of microspores (male fertilizing elements) of flowering plants. Many pollens, especially the airborne pollens, are allergens; i.e., they produce proteinaceous antigens capable of sensitizing susceptible persons and producing allergic symptoms.
Pollen grain.
Medical dictionary. 2011.