zygote

noun

zy·​gote ˈzī-ˌgōt 

: a cell formed by the union of two gametes

broadly : the developing individual produced from such a cell

zygotic

zī-ˈgä-tik 

adjective

Examples of zygote in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The researchers imaged them once a minute, much faster than scientists ever had before, starting at the stage just before the zygotes would normally adhere to the womb wall. — Clare Watson, Quanta Magazine, 27 Feb. 2026

Bear in mind that all the impressions tallied that year were captured within the confines of the Nielsen panelists’ households, as out-of-home measurement was still in its zygote phase. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 8 Jan. 2026

The zygote splits into two parts after conception, resulting in the development of two individual embryos. — Pamela Prindle Fierro, Parents, 1 July 2024

The genetic instructions that drive the transformation of a single zygote into a living body are strikingly similar in our two species. — Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Greek zygōtos yoked, from zygoun to join — more at zygoma

First Known Use

circa 1887, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing zygote

• zygote intrafallopian transfer

Rhymes for zygote

• heterozygote

Kids Definition

zygote

noun

zy·​gote ˈzī-ˌgōt 

: a cell formed by the union of two sex cells

also : the developing individual produced from such a cell

zygotic

zī-ˈgät-ik 

adjective

Medical Definition

zygote

noun

zy·​gote ˈzī-ˌgōt 

: a cell formed by the union of two gametes

broadly : the developing individual produced from such a cell