spermatozoon

[spur-mat-uh-zoh-uh n, -on, spur-muh-tuh-]

noun, plural sper·mat·o·zo·a [spur-mat-uh-zoh-uh, spur-muh-tuh-] /spɜrˌmæt əˈzoʊ ə, ˌspɜr mə tə-/. Cell Biology.

one of the minute, usually actively motile gametes in semen, which serve to fertilize the ovum; a mature male reproductive cell.

Origin of spermatozoon

From New Latin, dating back to 1830–40; see origin at spermato-, -zoon

Related formssper·mat·o·zo·al, sper·mat·o·zo·an, sper·mat·o·zo·ic, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for spermatozoa

Historical Examples of spermatozoa

Spermatozoa originate in the testis as cells, which are filled with granules.
Plain Facts for Old and Young
John Harvey Kellogg
Spermatozoa are produced in Spongilla from spherical cells not unlike the eggs in general appearance.
Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa
Nelson Annandale

British Dictionary definitions for spermatozoa

spermatozoon

noun plural -zoa (-ˈzəʊə)

any of the male reproductive cells released in the semen during ejaculation, consisting of a flattened egg-shaped head, a long neck, and a whiplike tail by which it moves to fertilize the female ovumAlso called: sperm, zoosperm

Derived Formsspermatozoal, spermatozoan or spermatozoic, 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

Word Origin and History for spermatozoa

plural of spermatozoon, 1836, from comb. form of Greek sperma (see sperm) + zoon (see zoo).

spermatozoon

(plural spermatozoa), "male sexual cell," 1836, from Greek spermato-, combining form of sperma (genitive spermatos; see sperm) + zoion "animal" (see zoo)

spermatozoa in Medicine

spermatozoon

[spər-măt′ə-zō′ŏn′, -ən, spûr′mə-tə-]

n. pl. sper•mat•o•zo•a (-zō′ə)

The mature male gamete or sex cell that consists of a cylindrical nucleated cell with a short neck and a thin motile tail, contains genetic information to be transmitted by the male, exhibits autokinesia, and is able to effect zygosis with an ovum; sperm.

Related formssper•mat′o•zo′al (-zō′əl) null null adj.

spermatozoa in Science

spermatozoon

[spər-măt′ə-zō′ŏn′]

Plural spermatozoa

A sperm cell produced in the testis of an animal.