micropyle

(krō pīl′)

noun

  1. Bot.
    1. a very small opening in the outer coats of an ovule, through which the pollen tube penetrates
    2. the corresponding opening in the developed seed
  2. Zool. a very small opening in the membrane of an ovum of some animals, through which spermatozoa can enter

Origin: Fr < Gr mikro- (see micro-) + pylē, gate

Related Forms:

See micropyle in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. Botany A minute opening in the ovule of a seed plant through which the pollen tube usually enters.
  2. Zoology A pore in the membrane covering the ovum of some animals through which a spermatozoon can enter.

Origin:

Origin: micro-

Origin: + Greek pulē, gate

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Related Forms:

  • miˌcro·pyˈlar adjective

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