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DictionaryovumFemale reproductive cell
noun

ovum

OH-vum/ˈəʊvəm/

A female reproductive cell that can develop into an organism after fertilization.

The magnified ovum has a nucleus within a large, rounded cell.

Magnified human ovum: large spherical cell with nucleus, zona pellucida and surrounding corona cells, educational.
Etymology
ovumLatinegg

Latin ōvum meant “egg.” Its biological use applies that familiar idea to the reproductive cell produced by an ovary, including eggs too small to see unaided.

In context

Zero To Finals4:56
causes one of the follicles to reach the surface of the ovary and release the ovum or the unfertilized egg
Understanding the Menstrual Cycle

More examples

  • Each human ovum contains one set of chromosomes.
  • The laboratory stores frozen ova for future fertility treatment.
  • A female frog releases hundreds of ova into the water.

Forms

ovum · ova

Similar words

egg
The everyday term; also refers to a whole laid egg.
gamete
Includes male reproductive cells as well as female ones.