micropyle

[mahy-kruh-pahyl]

noun

1. Zoology.,  any minute opening in an ovum through which a spermatozoon can enter, as in many insects.

2. Botany.,  the minute orifice or opening in the integuments of an ovule.

micropyle

/ ˈmaɪkrəʊˌpaɪl /

noun

1. a small opening in the integuments of a plant ovule through which the male gametes pass

2. a small pore in the shell of an insect's eggs through which the sperm passes

micropyle

1. A minute opening in the ovule of a seed plant through which the pollen tube usually enters.

2. A pore in the membrane covering the ovum of some animals through which a spermatozoon can enter.

Other Word Forms

• micropylar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of micropyle¹

1815–25; micro- + Greek pýlē gate

Word History and Origins

Origin of micropyle¹

C19: from _micro- + Greek pulē gate

Example Sentences

Inverted and straight, with the micropyle next the hilum and the radicle consequently inferior.

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At one end a cap-like portion of this forms a detachable operculum, in the middle of which is a minute opening, the micropyle.

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The female flower is enveloped in a closely fitting sac-like investment, which must be regarded as a perianth; within this is an orthotropous ovule surrounded by a single integument prolonged upwards as a beak-like micropyle.

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The radicular extremity points towards the micropyle, while the cotyledonary extremity is pointed towards the base of the ovule or the chalaza.

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The micropyle indicates the organic apex of the ovule.

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