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spermatogenesis

American  
[spur-mat-uh-jen-uh-sis, spur-muh-tuh-] / spɜrˌmæt əˈdʒɛn ə sɪs, ˌspɜr mə tə- /

noun

Biology.
  1. the origin and development of spermatozoa.


spermatogenesis British  
/ ˌspɜːmətəʊdʒəˈnɛtɪk, ˌspɜːmətəʊˈdʒɛnɪsɪs /

noun

  1. the formation and maturation of spermatozoa in the testis See also spermatocyte

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

spermatogenesis Scientific  
/ spər-măt′ə-jĕnĭ-sĭs,spûr′mə-tə- /
  1. The formation and development of spermatozoa. Spermatogenesis in humans begins with the spermatogonium, the diploid cell that undergoes mitosis to form new spermatogonia as well as cells called primary spermatocytes. Each primary spermatocyte then undergoes the first meiotic division to produce two secondary spermatocytes. Each secondary spermatocyte undergoes the second meiotic division to produce two nonmotile cells called spermatids. The four spermatids then develop flagella and become sperm. Since some of the original spermatogonia replace themselves, the males are able to produce large numbers of sperm continuously after sexual maturity.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of spermatogenesis

From New Latin, dating back to 1880–85; see origin at spermato-, -genesis

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Spermatogenesis is the process of formation of four sperm in the testes in males.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Spermatogenesis is the process of formation of four sperm in the testes in males.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Spermatogenesis, the process which takes place in men's testes to produce sperm, is an altogether less predictable process and is not so much controlled by hormones as by enzymes.

From New York Times • Jul. 19, 2016

Spermatogenesis, the production of sperm, occurs within the seminiferous tubules that make up most of the testis.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Spermatogenesis, the formation of spermatozoa in the testis, 13.

From The Biological Problem of To-day Preformation Or Epigenesis? The Basis of a Theory of Organic Development by Hertwig, Oscar