micropyle Hear it!

micropyle Definition

micro·pyle (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

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

Related Forms:

  • micropylar mi′cro·py′·lar (-pīlər) adjective