macrogamete

[ mak-roh-gam-eet, -guh-meet ]

noun

, Cell Biology.

1. (in heterogamous reproduction) the larger and usually female of a pair of conjugating gametes.

macrogamete

/ ˌmækrəʊˈɡæmiːt; ˌmɛɡəˈɡæmiːt /

noun

1. the larger and apparently female of two gametes in conjugating protozoans Compare microgamete

macrogamete

/ măk′rō-găm′ēt,-gə-mēt′ /

1. The larger of a pair of conjugating gametes, usually the female, in an organism that reproduces by heterogamy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of macrogamete¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; macro- + gamete

Example Sentences

Within the mosquito the parasite undergoes a further development into male and female sexual forms, which may also form in the blood, termed respectively microgametocyte and macrogamete.

From Project Gutenberg