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spermatogenesis

American  
[spur-mat-uh-jen-uh-sis, spur-muh-tuh-] / spɜrˌmæt əˈdʒɛn ə sɪs, ˌspɜr mə tə- /

noun

Biology.
  1. the origin and development of spermatozoa.


spermatogenesis British  
/ ˌspɜːmətəʊdʒəˈnɛtɪk, ˌspɜːmətəʊˈdʒɛnɪsɪs /

noun

  1. the formation and maturation of spermatozoa in the testis See also spermatocyte

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

spermatogenesis Scientific  
/ spər-măt′ə-jĕnĭ-sĭs,spûr′mə-tə- /
  1. The formation and development of spermatozoa. Spermatogenesis in humans begins with the spermatogonium, the diploid cell that undergoes mitosis to form new spermatogonia as well as cells called primary spermatocytes. Each primary spermatocyte then undergoes the first meiotic division to produce two secondary spermatocytes. Each secondary spermatocyte undergoes the second meiotic division to produce two nonmotile cells called spermatids. The four spermatids then develop flagella and become sperm. Since some of the original spermatogonia replace themselves, the males are able to produce large numbers of sperm continuously after sexual maturity.


Other Word Forms

  • spermatogenetic adjective

Etymology

Origin of spermatogenesis

From New Latin, dating back to 1880–85; spermato-, -genesis

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.

HSF5 is required for progression beyond the pachytene stage during spermatogenesis, guiding the meiotic program towards completion and activating genes associated with sperm formation.

From Science Daily

The study's results are alarming, with the linuron-exposed frogs' male offspring exhibiting altered spermatogenesis, increased body weight, and modifications in fat and carbohydrate metabolism.

From Science Daily

The Y chromosome's genes help govern crucial reproductive functions including sperm production, formally called spermatogenesis, and are even involved in cancer risk and severity.

From Reuters

"We will be looking at the complex genetic rulebook for making sperm, while also looking for hidden causes of infertility related to spermatogenesis," she said by phone.

From Salon

“It has been shown that high scrotal temperatures alter spermatogenesis,” said Mínguez-Alarcón, referring to the 90-day job that is sperm manufacture.

From The Guardian