spermatozoid

American  

[spur-muh-tuh-zoh-id, spur-mat-uh-] / ˌspɜr mə təˈzoʊ ɪd, spɜrˌmæt ə- /

noun

Botany, Mycology.

1. a motile male gamete produced in an antheridium.

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spermatozoid British  

/ ˌspɜːmətəʊˈzəʊɪd /

noun

1. botany another name for antherozoid

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spermatozoid Scientific  

/ spər-măt′ə-zō′ĭd /

1. A male reproductive cell produced in an antheridium, as in algae, fungi, and nonflowering plants. Each spermatozoid has cilia that propel it toward the archegonium.

2. Also called antherozoid

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Etymology

Origin of spermatozoid

First recorded in 1855–60; spermatozo(on) + -id ¹

Example Sentences

The nucleus of the spermatozoid, on the contrary, begins to grow rapidly.

From The Sexual Question A Scientific, psychological, hygienic and sociological study by Forel, Auguste

J, a small portion of one of these more magnified, showing a spermatozoid in each cell.

From Elements of Structural and Systematic Botany For High Schools and Elementary College Courses by Campbell, Douglas Houghton

At this moment it produces on the surface of the egg a coagulation, which prevents the entrance of a second spermatozoid.

From The Sexual Question A Scientific, psychological, hygienic and sociological study by Forel, Auguste

In Dudresnaya, on the other hand, the spermatozoid coalesces indeed with the trichogyne, but this does not develop further.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 531, March 6, 1886 by Various

The egg and the spermatozoid both consist of protoplasm containing a nucleus.

From The Sexual Question A Scientific, psychological, hygienic and sociological study by Forel, Auguste