zona pellucida

[ zoh-nuh puh-loo-si-duh, pel-yoo- ]

noun

, Anatomy.

, plural zo·nae pel·lu·ci·dae [zoh, -nee p, uh, -, loo, -si-dee, pel-, yoo, -].

1. the transparent, noncellular layer surrounding the ovum of mammals, often having radial striations.

Word History and Origins

Origin of zona pellucida¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1835–45; zone, pellucid

Example Sentences

Foulis regards the zona pellucida as a product of the ovum and not of the follicle.

From Project Gutenberg