micropyle

[ mahy-kruh-pahyl ]

noun

1. Zoology. any minute opening in an ovum through which a spermatozoon can enter, as in many insects.
2. Botany. the minute orifice or opening in the integuments of an ovule.

micropyle

/ ˈmaɪkrəʊˌpaɪl /

noun

1. a small opening in the integuments of a plant ovule through which the male gametes pass
2. a small pore in the shell of an insect's eggs through which the sperm passes

micropyle

/ mī′krə-pīl′ /

1. A minute opening in the ovule of a seed plant through which the pollen tube usually enters.
2. A pore in the membrane covering the ovum of some animals through which a spermatozoon can enter.

Derived Forms

• ˌmicroˈpylar, adjective

Other Words From

• micro·pylar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of micropyle¹

1815–25; micro- + Greek pýlē gate

Word History and Origins

Origin of micropyle¹

C19: from micro- + Greek pulē gate

Example Sentences

Seeds globular, with a crustaceous coat, ascending, imperfectly anatropous, the rhaphe not adherent quite down to the micropyle, the persistent seed-stalk thus forming a sort of lateral beak.

From Project Gutenberg

At one end a cap-like portion of this forms a detachable operculum, in the middle of which is a minute opening, the micropyle.

From Project Gutenberg

The female flower is enveloped in a closely fitting sac-like investment, which must be regarded as a perianth; within this is an orthotropous ovule surrounded by a single integument prolonged upwards as a beak-like micropyle.

From Project Gutenberg

This arillode, after growing downwards, may be reflected upwards so as to cover the micropyle.

From Project Gutenberg

The micropyle indicates the organic apex of the ovule.

From Project Gutenberg