spermatozoid
Americannoun
noun
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A male reproductive cell produced in an antheridium, as in algae, fungi, and nonflowering plants. Each spermatozoid has cilia that propel it toward the archegonium.
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Also called antherozoid
Etymology
Origin of spermatozoid
First recorded in 1855–60; spermatozo(on) + -id 1
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.
Then only commences activity of the nucleus of the egg, at the same time as fresh activity on the part of the nucleus of the spermatozoid.
From The Sexual Question A Scientific, psychological, hygienic and sociological study by Auguste Forel
From that moment, the two procreating elements are present in the mother at one and the same time: the female element, the ovule; and the male element, the spermatozoid.
From Bramble-Bees and Others by Alexander Teixeira de Mattos
But, while the spermatozoid has only a small nucleus and very little protoplasm, the egg has a large nucleus and a large quantity of protoplasm.
From The Sexual Question A Scientific, psychological, hygienic and sociological study by Auguste Forel
The spermatozoid swims by means of its tail to meet the egg.
From The Sexual Question A Scientific, psychological, hygienic and sociological study by Auguste Forel
The nucleus of the spermatozoid, on the contrary, begins to grow rapidly.
From The Sexual Question A Scientific, psychological, hygienic and sociological study by Auguste Forel
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
