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micropyle definition

micro·pyle (mī′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 (-pī′lər) adjective

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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