What does spermatozoid mean?
A spermatozoid is a type of male reproductive cell or gamete found in plants and some lower animals. It is typically flagellated and motile, allowing it to swim through water to fertilize an egg cell. The term is commonly used in botany and zoology to describe the male gamete of species such as ferns, mosses, and algae. Spermatozoids play a crucial role in the reproductive cycle of these organisms, enabling them to propagate and produce offspring. Understanding spermatozoids is essential for studying the life cycles and reproductive strategies of these species.
nounA spermatozoid is a male gamete or reproductive cell, especially in plants and some lower animals, that is capable of fertilizing an egg cell. It is often flagellated and motile.
- A male gamete or reproductive cell.
- A flagellated and motile male reproductive cell in plants and some lower animals.
"The spermatozoid released from the antheridium swam through the water to fertilize the egg cell in the archegonium."
"The spermatozoid is the male reproductive cell of plants and some lower animals."
"The spermatozoid swam through the water to reach the egg cell."
The plural form is used to refer to multiple spermatozoids.
"The antheridium released multiple spermatozoids into the water."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of spermatozoid
The term spermatozoid is derived from the Greek words 'sperma', meaning seed or sperm, and 'zooid', meaning animal-like. It has been used in scientific literature since the 19th century to describe the male gametes of plants and lower animals.
How spermatozoid is actually used
The term spermatozoid is often used in botany and zoology to refer to the male gamete of plants and lower animals.