microgamete

[ mahy-kroh-gam-eet, -guh-meet ]

noun

, Cell Biology.

1. (in heterogamous reproduction) the smaller and, usually, the male of two conjugating gametes.

microgamete

/ ˌmaɪkrəʊˈɡæmiːt /

noun

1. the smaller and apparently male of two gametes in conjugating protozoans Compare macrogamete

microgamete

/ mī′krō-găm′ēt′,-gə-mēt′ /

1. The smaller of a pair of conjugating gametes, usually the male, in an organism that reproduces by heterogamy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of microgamete¹

First recorded in 1890–95; micro- + gamete

Example Sentences

On coming into contact with this protuberance (probably attracted to it by the female pronucleus), a microgamete adheres.

From Project Gutenberg