Meaning & Definition of word "Ovum"

to

arrow

    Ovum

    /ˈoʊ.vəm/

    noun:

    • 1. A female gamete or reproductive cell in animals and plants that is capable of developing into a new organism upon fertilization.
      • Example: The ovum is released from the ovary during ovulation.
    • 2. In zoology, it refers to the egg produced by female animals.
      • Example: The fertilization of the ovum leads to the formation of a zygote.
    • 3. In botany, it refers to the structure that contains the egg within an ovule.
      • Example: In flowering plants, the ovum develops within the ovule inside the ovary.

    Etymology

    Latin 'ovum' meaning 'egg'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    ovum donation:

    The process of donating eggs for use in assisted reproduction.

    fertilized ovum:

    An ovum that has been penetrated by a sperm and has begun to develop.

    Related Words

    sperm:

    The male reproductive cell.

    zygote:

    A fertilized ovum that has begun to divide.

    Slang Meanings of ovum

    Meaning: Egg

    Example Sentence: She's got a couple of quality eggs in her.

    Meaning: Fertilizable cell

    Example Sentence: She said she's got some good ova ready for fertilization.