micropyle
Americannoun
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Zoology. any minute opening in an ovum through which a spermatozoon can enter, as in many insects.
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Botany. the minute orifice or opening in the integuments of an ovule.
noun
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a small opening in the integuments of a plant ovule through which the male gametes pass
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a small pore in the shell of an insect's eggs through which the sperm passes
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A minute opening in the ovule of a seed plant through which the pollen tube usually enters.
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A pore in the membrane covering the ovum of some animals through which a spermatozoon can enter.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of micropyle
1815–25; micro- + Greek pýlē gate
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.
The micropyle allows the pollen tube to enter the female gametophyte for fertilization.
From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015
Three nuclei position themselves on the end of the embryo sac opposite the micropyle and develop into the antipodal cells, which later degenerate.
From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015
The integuments, while protecting the megasporangium, do not enclose it completely, but leave an opening called the micropyle.
From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015
An opening called a micropyle allows entry of the pollen tube from the base.
From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015
In angiosperms when the pollen-tube reaches the micropyle it passes down into the canal, and this portion of it increases considerably in size.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 5 "Fleury, Claude" to "Foraker" by Various
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