spermatium

noun

sper·​ma·​ti·​um (ˌ)spər-ˈmā-sh(ē-)əm How to pronounce spermatium (audio)
plural spermatia (ˌ)spər-ˈmā-sh(ē-)ə How to pronounce spermatium (audio)
: a nonmotile male gamete of a red alga
also : a nonmotile cell functioning as a male gamete in certain fungi and lichens
spermatial adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek spermation, diminutive of spermat-, sperma

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spermatium was in 1856

Dictionary Entries Near spermatium

Cite this Entry

“Spermatium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spermatium. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!