spermatozoon

Definition

A reproductive cell or gamete of a male, carried in semen, that fertilizes an ovum to produce a zygote.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek σπέρμα (spérma, “sperm”) + ζῷον (zōîon, “living thing”), equivalent to spermato- + -zoon.

Example Sentences

• "But let us suppose [...] that one hardy or lucky spermatozoon has reached the waiting egg."
• "A sperm, or spermatozoa, is the microscopic male reproductive cell. Sperms are made up of oval-shaped heads and long tails that they use for mobility."