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.
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
In Dudresnaya, on the other hand, the spermatozoid coalesces indeed with the trichogyne, but this does not develop further.
From Scientific American Supplement, No. 531, March 6, 1886 by Various
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
Fertilization is effected by the passage of a spermatozoid, attracted probably by means of a chemical stimulus, down the passage of the archegonial neck and its fusion with the ovum.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3 "Brescia" to "Bulgaria" by Various
In Coleochæte, the male cell is a round spermatozoid, and the female cell an oosphere contained in the base of a cell which is elongated into an open and hair-like tube called the trichogyne.
From Scientific American Supplement, No. 531, March 6, 1886 by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
