Definition

Noun: 1. A minute opening in the integument of an ovule of a seed plant, through which the pollen tube typically enters during fertilization. This is a specialized structure in plant reproduction.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The pollen tube grows through the micropyle to deliver the sperm cells to the egg.
  • Botanists study the structure of the micropyle to understand plant fertility.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical description: The term is used precisely to describe a specific anatomical feature. It is often discussed in the context of ovule orientation (e.g., orthotropous, anatropous) and the path of pollen tube growth.

Variants and Related Words

• Micropylar (adjective): Of or relating to a micropyle.
  • The micropylar end of the ovule is critical for pollen tube guidance.

Synonyms

• Ovule aperture: A more general descriptive term.
• Pollen tube entry pore: A functional description.

Notes on Meaning

• The term is highly specific to botany and plant reproductive biology. It has no common metaphorical or idiomatic uses outside this scientific context.

Noun

1. minute opening in the wall of an ovule through which the pollen tube enters