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.
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.