heterogamete

noun

het·​ero·​ga·​mete ˌhe-tə-rō-ˈga-ˌmēt How to pronounce heterogamete (audio)
also
-gə-ˈmēt How to pronounce heterogamete (audio)
: either of a pair of dissimilar and usually oogamous gametes

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heterogamete was in 1897

Dictionary Entries Near heterogamete

Cite this Entry

“Heterogamete.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heterogamete. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

heterogamete

noun
het·​ero·​ga·​mete ˌhet-ə-rō-gə-ˈmēt How to pronounce heterogamete (audio) -ˈgam-ˌēt How to pronounce heterogamete (audio)
: either of a pair of gametes that differ in form, size, or behavior and occur typically as large nonmotile female gametes and small motile sperms
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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