Definition

1. Noun:
   • The male reproductive cell; the male gamete: A sperm cell is a specialized cell produced by males, whose function is to fertilize a female egg cell (ovum). It is typically characterized by a head containing genetic material, a midpiece that provides energy, and a tail (flagellum) that enables movement.

Usage

• The term "sperm cell" is used in biological, medical, and general contexts to refer specifically to the male gamete. It is a precise, scientific term.
• Example: "For fertilization to occur, a sperm cell must penetrate the outer layer of the egg."

Examples

• Noun:
  • Under the microscope, a single sperm cell can be seen propelling itself forward.
  • The genetic information from the father is carried within the sperm cell.
  • The doctor explained that the quality of the sperm cell is crucial for conception.

Advanced Usage

• "Motile sperm cell": A sperm cell that is capable of movement, which is essential for reaching the egg.
  • The fertility test measures the percentage of motile sperm cells in a sample.
• "Sperm cell count": A measurement of the number of sperm cells present in a given volume of semen.
  • A low sperm cell count can be a factor in male infertility.

Variants and Related Words

• Sperm (n): The more common, shortened form of "sperm cell." It can refer to a single cell or to semen collectively.
  • The sample contained millions of sperm.
• Spermatozoon (n, plural: spermatozoa): The full, formal biological term for a mature sperm cell.
• Gamete (n): A general term for a reproductive cell (sperm cell in males, egg cell in females).

Synonyms

• Male gamete: The formal biological synonym.
• Spermatozoon: The technical synonym.

Related Terms and Phrases

• Fertilization: The process where a sperm cell and an egg cell unite.
• Flagellum: The whip-like tail of a sperm cell that provides motility.
• Nucleus: The part of the sperm cell's head that contains the paternal chromosomes.

Noun

1. the male reproductive cell; the male gamete
   • a sperm is mostly a nucleus surrounded by little other cellular material