spermatium

noun

sper·​ma·​ti·​um (ˌ)spər-ˈmā-sh(ē-)əm How to pronounce spermatium (audio)
plural spermatia (ˌ)spər-ˈmā-sh(ē-)ə How to pronounce spermatium (audio)
: a nonmotile male gamete of a red alga
also : a nonmotile cell functioning as a male gamete in certain fungi and lichens
spermatial
(ˌ)spər-ˈmā-sh(ē-)əl How to pronounce spermatium (audio)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek spermation, diminutive of spermat-, sperma

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spermatium was in 1856

Dictionary Entries Near spermatium

spermatist

spermatium

spermatization

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Spermatium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spermatium. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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