spermatogenesis

noun sper·mato·gen·e·sis \ (ˌ)spər-ˌma-tə-ˈje-nə-səs \

Updated on: 25 Mar 2018

Definition of spermatogenesis

: the process of male gamete formation including formation of a spermatocyte from a spermatogonium, meiotic division of the spermatocyte, and transformation of the four resulting spermatids into spermatozoa

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spermatogenic

play \(ˌ)spər-ˌma-tə-ˈje-nik\ adjective

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Recent Examples of spermatogenesis from the Web

The team at Stamford has previously determined the role of homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 4 (HIPK4) in the later stages of spermatogenesis, and it is thought that a drug targeting this kinase could be used as a contraceptive.

— hannah flynn, Ars Technica, "More than half a century later, where’s the male pill?," 28 Feb. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of spermatogenesis

New Latin

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1881

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

spermatogenesis

noun sper·mato·gen·e·sis \ (ˌ)spər-ˌmat-ə-ˈjen-ə-səs \

medical Definition of spermatogenesis

plural spermatogeneses play \-ˌsēz\

: the process of male gamete formation including formation of a primary spermatocyte from a spermatogonium, meiotic division of the spermatocyte, and transformation of the four resulting spermatids into spermatozoa