spermatozoid

American  

[spur-muh-tuh-zoh-id, spur-mat-uh-] / ˌspɜr mə təˈzoʊ ɪd, spɜrˌmæt ə- /

noun

Botany, Mycology.

1. a motile male gamete produced in an antheridium.

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spermatozoid British  

/ ˌspɜːmətəʊˈzəʊɪd /

noun

1. botany another name for antherozoid

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spermatozoid Scientific  

/ spər-măt′ə-zō′ĭd /

1. 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.

2. Also called antherozoid

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Etymology

Origin of spermatozoid

First recorded in 1855–60; spermatozo(on) + -id ¹

Example Sentences

Similar spermatozoids were observed in some species of Zamia by H. J. Webber, and more recent work enables us to assume that all cycads produce ciliated male gametes.

From Project Gutenberg

The Crustacea are—with the exception of the Cirrhipedia—remarkable for having stiff, motionless spermatozoids.

From Project Gutenberg

It is presumable that here, as in the Algæ, the spermatozoids introduce themselves into the cavity of the oogonium, and unite with the gonospheres.

From Project Gutenberg

At this moment it produces on the surface of the egg a coagulation, which prevents the entrance of a second spermatozoid.

From Project Gutenberg

Prevost and Dumas, on the employment of several spermatozoids to fertilise one ovule, ii.

From Project Gutenberg