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Oocyte - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

An oocyte is an immature egg cell produced in the ovaries of female organisms. It undergoes development to become a mature egg, which can be fertilized to form an embryo.

oocyte

/ˈoʊəˌsaɪt/ /ˈəʊəsaɪt/

Definition:

An immature egg cell in the ovary, developing into an ovum during maturation.

Synonyms:

egg cell, ovum, female gamete

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

spermatozoon, male gamete

Common Collocations:

mature oocyte, fertilized oocyte, oocyte development, oocyte retrieval

Derivatives:

oocytic, oogenesis

Usage Tips:

Use "oocyte" in biological contexts to refer to an unfertilized egg cell before maturation.

Common Phrases:

primary oocyte, secondary oocyte, oocyte donation

Etymology:

From Greek "ōion" (egg) + "kytos" (cell), meaning "egg cell."

Examples:

  • 1. The scientist studied the oocyte under a microscope.
  • 2. Fertilization occurs when a sperm penetrates the oocyte.
  • 3. Oocytes are stored in the ovaries until maturation.
  • 4. The doctor retrieved several oocytes for IVF treatment.

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