acrosome

noun

ac·​ro·​some ˈa-krə-ˌsōm How to pronounce acrosome (audio)
: an anterior prolongation of a spermatozoon that releases egg-penetrating enzymes
acrosomal adjective

Examples of acrosome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Next, the acrosome, a vesicle inside the sperm cell’s head, fuses with the outer layer of the egg, igniting the release of enzymes that ease the route inside. Randi Hutter Epstein, New York Times, 17 Apr. 2020 This study will also be the closest off-planet look at the acrosome, which develops inside the head and acts like an organ. Joe Pappalardo, Popular Mechanics, 16 July 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'acrosome.' 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 German Akrosoma, from akro- acro- + -soma -some entry 3

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of acrosome was in 1899

Dictionary Entries Near acrosome

Cite this Entry

“Acrosome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acrosome. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

acrosome

noun
ac·​ro·​some ˈak-rə-ˌsōm How to pronounce acrosome (audio)
: an anterior prolongation of a spermatozoon that releases egg-penetrating enzymes
acrosomal adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on acrosome

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