n. [ Gr. &unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_; sperm + fe`rein to bear. ] (Bot.) That part of the ovary from which the ovules arise; the placenta. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ Gr. sh^ma a sign + fe`rein to bear: cf. F. sémaphore. ] A signal telegraph; an apparatus for giving signals by the disposition of lanterns, flags, oscillating arms, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]