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gamete

The definition of a gamete is a reproductive cell that has a single set of unpaired chromosomes and that can join with another cell to reproduce.

(noun)

Sperm that is ready to join with an egg to fertilize the egg and reproduce is an example of a gamete.

See gamete in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a reproductive cell that is haploid and can unite with another gamete to form the cell (zygote) that develops into a new individual

Origin: ModL gameta < Gr gametē, a wife < gamein, to marry < gamos: see gamo-

Related Forms:

gametic adjective

See gamete in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A reproductive cell having the haploid number of chromosomes, especially a mature sperm or egg capable of fusing with a gamete of the opposite sex to produce the fertilized egg.

Origin:

Origin: New Latin gameta

Origin: , from Greek gametē, wife

Origin: and gametēs, husband

Origin: , from gamein, to marry

Origin: , from gamos, marriage; see gemə- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms:

ga·metˈic (-mĕtˈĭk) adjective

ga·metˈi·cal·ly adverb

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