polar body

American  

noun

Cell Biology.

1. one of the minute cells arising from the unequal meiotic divisions of the ovum at or near the time of fertilization.

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polar body British  

noun

1. physiol a tiny cell containing little cytoplasm that is produced with the ovum during oogenesis when the oocyte undergoes meiosis

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polar body Scientific  

1. One of the small cells that are produced during the development of an oocyte and ultimately degenerate. A polar body contains one of the nuclei derived from the first or second meiotic division but little or no cytoplasm.

2. See Note at oogenesis

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Etymology

Origin of polar body

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

The cell that fuses with the egg is known as a polar body.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 13, 2024

It will have one diplomat, whose work will focus on business outreach, science and the Arctic Council, a polar body comprising the eight Arctic states of Russia, the U.S.,

From Reuters • Oct. 27, 2023

In vertebrates like crocodiles, one polar body can synthesize with the egg to make offspring.

From Salon • Jun. 10, 2023

They occur when an egg divides in two during ovulation, creating a primary body and a polar body, both of which have the same genetics.

From Time • May 8, 2015

The first polar body formed is usually larger than the second one, and often divides into two after its separation from the ovum.

From The Gutenberg Webster's Unabridged Dictionary Section P and Q by Project Gutenberg