Sperm

Definition

Sperm refers to the male reproductive cell (gamete) in animals and plants; in animals it is motile and typically produced in large numbers, fertilizing the female ovum. Its plural form is sperm or informally sperms.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /spɜːrm/
• Respelling: SPERM

British English

• IPA: /spɜːm/
• Respelling: SPERM

Etymology

Early 17th century: from Late Latin sperma ‘seed,’ from Greek sperma ‘seed, sowing.’

Derivatives

• spermatic (adjective)
• spermatogenesis (noun)
• spermatozoon (noun)
• spermatid (noun)
• spermatophore (noun)

Synonyms

• gamete
• spermatozoon
• seed cell

Antonyms

• ovum
• egg cell

Usage

"The scientist examined the sperm under a microscope to assess motility."

"Fertilization begins when sperm penetrates the egg."

Related Terms

• Ovum: The female reproductive cell or egg.
• Gamete: A reproductive cell (sperm or egg).
• Spermatogenesis: The process of sperm cell development.
• Fertilization: The fusion of sperm and egg.
• Semen: The fluid containing spermatozoa.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The male reproductive cell in animals – a motile cell produced by the testes, carrying the paternal genetic material to the ovum.
  • Example: "Healthy sperm count is essential for male fertility."
• The male gamete in plants – non-motile sperm cells produced within pollen tubes or antheridia in non-flowering plants.
  • Example: "In ferns, sperm swim through water films to reach the egg."
• Spermatozoon – the mature motile form of the sperm cell in animals.
  • Example: "Under high magnification, the spermatozoon tail can be clearly observed."