pronucleus

noun

pro·nu·cle·us | \ (ˌ)prō-ˈnü-klē-əs

, -ˈnyü-\

Definition of pronucleus

: the haploid nucleus of a male or female gamete (such as an egg or sperm) up to the time of fusion with that of another gamete in fertilization

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Pronuclear transfer is the easier and cheaper method since the pronucleus is larger and easier to image and transfer than the spindle. — Radhika Viswanathan, Vox, "3 biological parents, 1 child, and an international controversy," 24 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pronucleus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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The first known use of pronucleus was in 1876

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pronucleus

noun

pro·nu·cle·us | \ (ˈ)prō-ˈn(y)ü-klē-əs

plural pronuclei\ -klē-ˌī

\ also pronucleuses

Medical Definition of pronucleus

: the haploid nucleus of a male or female gamete (as an egg or sperm) up to the time of fusion with that of another gamete in fertilization — see female pronucleus, male pronucleus