Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Sporangiophore /(spō̇*răn"jĭ*ō̇*fōr)/ · Spo·ran·gi·o·phore · IPA 01 n. The axis or receptacle in certain ferns (as Trichomanes), which bears the sporangia. 1. The axis or receptacle in certain ferns (as Trichomanes), which bears the sporangia.(Bot.)