Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

oligopyrene

adjective
Save Word
ol·​i·​go·​pyrene | \ ¦älə̇gō, ə¦ligə+ \

Definition of oligopyrene

: containing less than the normal amount of chromatin —used of a sperm cell — compare apyrene, eupyrene

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for oligopyrene

International Scientific Vocabulary olig- + pyrene; probably originally formed as German oligopyren

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More About oligopyrene

Statistics for oligopyrene

Cite this Entry

“Oligopyrene.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oligopyrene. Accessed 16 Jun. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

WORD OF THE DAY

jocund

Listen to the pronunciation of jocund

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Name that Thing: Dog Breeds

  • any of a breed of small compact heavy-boned dogs developed in france and having erect ears
  • Name that dog!
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
AlphaBear 2

Spell words. Make bears.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games