Meaning & Definition of word "Ovum"

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.