spermatozoon

American  

[spur-mat-uh-zoh-uhn, -on, spur-muh-tuh-] / spɜrˌmæt əˈzoʊ ən, -ɒn, ˌspɜr mə tə- /

noun

Cell Biology.

plural

spermatozoa

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

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spermatozoon British  

/ ˌspɜːmətəʊˈzəʊɒn /

noun

1. Also called: sperm.   zoosperm.  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 ovum

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spermatozoon Scientific  

/ spər-măt′ə-zō′ŏn′ /

plural

spermatozoa

1. A sperm cell produced in the testis of an animal.

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Other Word Forms

• spermatozoal adjective
• spermatozoan adjective
• spermatozoic adjective

Etymology

Origin of spermatozoon

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

Example Sentences

The Oklahoma measure defines fertilisation as the "fusion of a human spermatozoon with a human ovum".

From BBC • May 19, 2022

He objects to the idea that the origin of sex differences is to be found in differences in the male cells only, and claims that both the spermatozoon and the ovum have activating " microcellules."

From Time Magazine Archive

If the spermatozoon has a male-determining chromosome pattern in its nucleus, the sex will be male; if not, female.

From Time Magazine Archive

Normally the male spermatozoon is what determines the sex of the offspring.

From Time Magazine Archive

It has been observed in some eggs that a membrane, formed round the ovum immediately after the entrance of the spermatozoon, prevents the entrance of others.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 3 "Electrostatics" to "Engis" by Various