oocyte

American  

[oh-uh-sahyt] / ˈoʊ əˌsaɪt /

noun

Cell Biology.

1. an immature egg cell of the animal ovary; in humans, one oocyte matures during the menstrual cycle, becoming an ootid and then an ovum, while several others partially mature and then disintegrate.

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oocyte British  

/ ˈəʊəˌsaɪt /

noun

1. an immature female germ cell that gives rise to an ovum after two meiotic divisions

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oocyte Scientific  

/ ō′ə-sīt′ /

1. A diploid cell that undergoes meiosis to form eggs.

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Etymology

Origin of oocyte

First recorded in 1890–95; oo- + -cyte

Compare meaning

How does oocyte compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• oocyte vs. ovum

Example Sentences

The study revealed a crucial moment during the oocyte maturation stage, which is when an oocyte converts into a mature egg, preparing for ovulation and possible fertilisation.

From Science Daily • Feb. 20, 2024

When the researchers experimentally prevented the ability of ELVAs to degrade protein aggregates during the oocyte maturation process, it led to the formation of defective eggs.

From Science Daily • Feb. 20, 2024

In the ovary, the manipulated cell developed into an egg cell, or oocyte.

From Scientific American • Mar. 15, 2023

This results in the production of a secondary oocyte and one polar body.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

This results in a primary oocyte finishing the first meiotic division.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013