ovum
ovum Lexical Profile
ovum Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A mature female reproductive cell in animals and humans, which can divide to give rise to an embryo only after fertilization by a male cell.
"Fertilization occurs when a single sperm cell successfully penetrates the outer membrane of the ovum."
The female gamete or seed-forming structure located within the ovule of a plant.
"Once pollen reaches the stigma, a pollen tube grows down to fertilize the ovum inside the ovary."
An egg-shaped ornamental motif used in classical architectural moldings, typically alternating with dart-like elements.
"The stone cornice featured a finely carved pattern of alternating ova and darts."
Word Nuance & Usage
'Ovum' retains its Latin irregular plural 'ova'; using 'ovums' is nonstandard in scientific and medical writing.
• Rhymes for ovum
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed directly from Latin ovum, meaning 'egg', which is cognate with Ancient Greek ōion and Old English æg ('egg').