pronucleus

noun

pro·​nu·​cle·​us (ˌ)prō-ˈnü-klē-əs How to pronounce pronucleus (audio)
-ˈnyü-
: 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

Examples of pronucleus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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, 24 July 2018

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pronucleus was in 1876

Dictionary Entries Near pronucleus

Cite this Entry

“Pronucleus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pronucleus. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

pronucleus

noun
pro·​nu·​cle·​us (ˈ)prō-ˈn(y)ü-klē-əs How to pronounce pronucleus (audio)
plural pronuclei -klē-ˌī How to pronounce pronucleus (audio) also pronucleuses
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on pronucleus

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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