morula

[ mawr-oo-luh, -yoo- ]

noun

, Embryology.

, plural mor·u·las, mor·u·lae [mawr, -, oo, -lee, -y, oo, -].

1. the mass of cells resulting from the cleavage of the ovum before the formation of a blastula.

morula

/ ˈmɒrjʊlə /

noun

1. embryol a solid ball of cells resulting from cleavage of a fertilized ovum

morula

/ môr′yə-lə /

, Plural morulae môr′yə-lē′

1. The spherical embryonic mass of blastomeres that results from cleavage of the fertilized ovum and develops into the blastula .

Derived Forms

• ˈmorular, adjective

Other Words From

• moru·lar adjective
• pre·moru·lar adjective
• pseudo·moru·lar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of morula¹

1855–60; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin mōr ( um ) mulberry + -ula -ule

Word History and Origins

Origin of morula¹

C19: via New Latin, diminutive of Latin morum mulberry, from Greek moron

Example Sentences

This stage is called the morula (“mulberry,” which it somewhat resembles in shape).

From Project Gutenberg

We called this accumulation of cells the mulberry state (Morula), because it resembles a mulberry or blackberry.

From Project Gutenberg

This morula, as I have called it, reproduces the next stage in the development of life.

From Project Gutenberg

As a consequence of this superficial concentration we get segmentation of the vitellus, with the production of a morula.

From Project Gutenberg

Without the foreground—that is itself strongly purpled by the banks of the flor morula—all is purple and mystic.

From Project Gutenberg