Pollen (noun)

1. The fine powdery substance consisting of microscopic grains discharged from the male part of a flower or from a male cone, which fertilizes the female ovules to produce seeds.
2. The fine powdery substance that is released by trees, grasses, and other plants and can cause hay fever and other allergic reactions in susceptible people.

Origin:

Late middle english: from latin pollin- "fine flour", from the verb poullire "to bray, pound".

Examples:

1. The bee collects pollen from the flower.
2. The pollen count is high today, so people with allergies should take precautions.
3. The flowers were covered in pollen.
4. The pollen caused her hayfever symptoms to worsen.
5. The pollen was used to fertilize the plants.