sperm

sperm

noun \ˈspərm\

plural sperm or sperms

Definition of SPERM

1

a : semen

b : a male gamete; especially : spermatozoon 1

2

: a product of the sperm whale

Examples of SPERM

1. The sperm fertilizes the egg.

Origin of SPERM

Middle English, from Middle French esperme, sperme, from Late Latin spermat-, sperma, from Greek, literally, seed, from speirein to sow; probably akin to Armenian p'aratem I dispense

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with SPERM

berm, firm, germ, herm, perm, squirm, term, therm, worm

sperm

noun \ˈspərm\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; spermor ; sperms

Medical Definition of SPERM

1

: the male impregnating fluid : semen

2

: a male gamete; especially : spermatozoon

sperm

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Male reproductive cell. In mammals, sperm are produced in the testes and travel through the reproductive system. At fertilization, one sperm of the roughly 300 million in an average ejaculation (see semen) fertilizes an egg (see ovary) to produce an offspring. At puberty, immature cells (spermatogonia) begin a maturation process (spermatogenesis). A mature human sperm has a flat, almond-shaped head, with a cap (acrosome) containing chemicals that help it penetrate an ovum. It is essentially a cell nucleus, with 23 chromosomes (including either the X or Y that determines the child's sex). A flagellum propels the sperm, which may live in a woman's reproductive tract for two to three days after sexual intercourse, to the egg. Sperm may be frozen and stored for artificial insemination.

Variants of SPERM

sperm or spermatozoon