spermatophore

[ spur-mat-uh-fawr, -fohr, spur-muh-tuh- ]

/ spɜrˈmæt əˌfɔr, -ˌfoʊr, ˈspɜr mə tə- /

Save This Word!

noun Zoology.

a capsule surrounding a mass of spermatozoa, produced by the male of various animal species and transferred to the female.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of spermatophore

First recorded in 1840–50; spermato- + -phore

OTHER WORDS FROM spermatophore

sper·ma·toph·or·al

[spur-muh-tof-er-uhl], /ˌspɜr məˈtɒf ər əl/, sper·ma·toph·o·rous

[spur-muh-tof-er-uhs], /ˌspɜr məˈtɒf ər əs/, adjective

Words nearby spermatophore

spermatocyte, spermatogenesis, spermatogenous, spermatogonium, spermatoid, spermatophore, spermatophyte, spermatorrhea, spermatorrhoea, spermatotoxic, spermatotoxin

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

British Dictionary definitions for spermatophore

spermatophore

/ (ˈspɜːmətəʊˌfɔː) /

noun

a capsule of spermatozoa extruded by some molluscs, crustaceans, annelids, and amphibians

Derived forms of spermatophore

spermatophoral (ˌspɜːməˈtɒfərəl), adjective

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

Scientific definitions for spermatophore

spermatophore

[ spər-măt′ə-fôr′ ]

A capsule or compact mass of spermatozoa extruded by the males of certain invertebrates and primitive vertebrates and directly transferred to the reproductive parts of the female.