zona pellucida

noun

zo·​na pel·​lu·​ci·​da ˌzō-nə-pə-ˈlü-sə-də How to pronounce zona pellucida (audio)
-pel-ˈyü-
plural zonae pellucidae ˌzō-(ˌ)nē-pə-ˈlü-sə-(ˌ)dē How to pronounce zona pellucida (audio)
ˌzō-ˌnī-pə-ˈlü-sə-ˌdī,
-pel-ˈyü-
: the transparent more or less elastic noncellular outer layer or envelope of a mammalian ovum that is composed of glycoproteins

Examples of zona pellucida in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In the meantime the zona pellucida permits tendrils from the granulosa cells to snake through it and embrace the oocyte’s outer membrane. John Travis, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 Within this brick wall, the oocyte now enlarges by a factor of a thousand and constructs a translucent shell known as the zona pellucida. John Travis, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 The morula’s outer membrane, the zona pellucida, was the same egg membrane taken from the cow. Amos Zeeberg (discover Web Editor), Discover Magazine, 15 July 2010

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'zona pellucida.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, "transparent zone"

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zona pellucida was in 1841

Dictionary Entries Near zona pellucida

Cite this Entry

“Zona pellucida.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zona%20pellucida. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

zona pellucida

noun
zona pel·​lu·​ci·​da -pə-ˈlü-sə-də How to pronounce zona pellucida (audio)
: the transparent more or less elastic noncellular glycoprotein outer layer or envelope of a mammalian ovum often traversed by numerous radiating striae
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