zygote

[ zahy-goht, zig-oht ]

noun

, Biology.

1. the cell produced by the union of two gametes, before it undergoes cleavage.

zygote

/ ˈzɪɡ-; zɪ-; ˈzaɪɡəʊt; zaɪˈɡɒtɪk /

noun

1. the cell resulting from the union of an ovum and a spermatozoon
2. the organism that develops from such a cell

zygote

/ zī′gōt′ /

1. The cell formed by the union of the nuclei of two reproductive cells (gametes), especially a fertilized egg cell.

zygote

1. The single cell that results from fertilization of an ovum by a sperm . After dividing several times, it implants in the uterus . It continues to divide, producing more cells and passing through the stages of embryo and fetus .

Derived Forms

• zyˈgotically, adverb
• zygotic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of zygote¹

1885–90; < Greek zygōtós yoked, equivalent to zygō-, variant stem of zygoûn to yoke, join together (derivative of zygón yoke ¹ ) + -tos adj. suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of zygote¹

C19: from Greek zugōtos yoked, from zugoun to yoke

Example Sentences

For decades, the GOP has explicitly pledged its support for a so-called human life amendment, which would extend the protections of the 14th Amendment — its guarantees of due process and equality under the law — to a zygote, from the moment an egg is fertilized, thereby banning abortion as a matter of constitutional law.

From Los Angeles Times

Starting with the earliest stage of an embryo, the zygote -- the very beginning of an organism's life -- researchers have created a map of RT from this single-cell stage to the stage at which the embryo implants in the mother's womb, called a blastocyst.

From Science Daily

Since Rachel and Alvy only ever feel like constructs, not characters, it’s predictable that their attitudes would reverse once their zygote is encased in egg-shaped plastic.

From Los Angeles Times

This is strikingly apparent in the development of a new organism—a human being, say—from a single fertilized egg, or zygote.

From Scientific American

Yes, all the zygote seems to get by way of instruction is a genome, but you will look there in vain for any blueprint for a heart or brain.

From Scientific American