spermatozoon
[ spur-mat-uh-zoh-uh n, -on, spur-muh-tuh- ]
/ spɜrˌmæt əˈzoʊ ən, -ɒn, ˌspɜr mə tə- /
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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.
Nearby words
spermatorrhea, spermatorrhoea, spermatotoxic, spermatotoxin, spermatozoid, spermatozoon, spermaturia, spermi-, spermic, spermicide, spermidine
Related forms
sper·mat·o·zo·al, sper·mat·o·zo·an, sper·mat·o·zo·ic, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for spermatozoa
Spermatozoa are produced in Spongilla from spherical cells not unlike the eggs in general appearance.
Freshwater Sponges, Hydroids & Polyzoa|Nelson AnnandaleSpermatozoa originate in the testis as cells, which are filled with granules.
Plain Facts for Old and Young|John Harvey Kellogg
British Dictionary definitions for spermatozoa
spermatozoon
/ (ˌspɜːmətəʊˈzəʊɒn) /
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 Forms
spermatozoal, spermatozoan or spermatozoic, adjectiveCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medicine definitions for spermatozoa
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 forms
sper•mat′o•zo′al (-zō′əl) null null adj.The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for spermatozoa
spermatozoon
[ spər-măt′ə-zō′ŏn′ ]
Plural spermatozoa
A sperm cell produced in the testis of an animal.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.