What does gonad mean?
A gonad is a reproductive gland in an animal, such as an ovary or testis. These organs produce gametes—the sperm cells or egg cells involved in reproduction—and commonly also produce sex hormones, making them important both for sexual reproduction and for the development and regulation of the body. The term is used chiefly in anatomy, biology, medicine, and veterinary science. In ordinary conversation, people more often name the particular gonads, such as the ovaries or testes, rather than use the general word “gonad.” Its technical character can give a sentence a clinical or educational tone. The word is also etymologically memorable: it comes from Greek terminology associated with seed, offspring, and generation. Together with related words such as “gonadal,” the term describes both the organs themselves and their functions, while “gonadectomy” refers to the surgical removal of a gonad.
nounA gonad is an animal reproductive gland, such as an ovary or testis, that produces gametes and often sex hormones.
- An animal reproductive gland, such as an ovary or testis, that produces gametes and often sex hormones.
"The gonads produce the reproductive cells and hormones essential for sexual development."
"The developing gonads eventually differentiate into ovaries or testes."
"Doctors use hormone tests and imaging to evaluate the function of the gonads."
The regular plural is “gonads.”
"The gonads are endocrine organs as well as sources of reproductive cells."
From a Greek root meaning “seed” or “offspring,” a gonad is the body’s generative factory: it makes the cells that can begin a new life.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gonad come from?
“Gonad” is a learned English borrowing from Greek through Latin. Its Greek root, gonas or gonos, is associated with seed, offspring, or generation. The modern anatomical sense developed from this biological idea of reproduction, and related English words such as “gonadal” and “gonadectomy” were formed from it.
Related word forms
How gonad is actually used
Gonad is primarily a formal anatomical and medical term. It is more specific than “gland” and may sound clinical rather than euphemistic.
Easily confused with gonad
A gland is an organ that secretes or releases substances, whereas a gonad is specifically a reproductive gland that produces gametes.