ovule

[ ov-yool, oh-vyool ]

noun

1. Botany.
   1. a rudimentary seed.
   2. the plant part that contains the embryo sac and hence the female germ cell, which after fertilization develops into a seed.
2. Biology. a small egg.

ovule

/ ˈɒvjuːl /

noun

1. a small body in seed-bearing plants that consists of the integument(s), nucellus, and embryosac (containing the egg cell) and develops into the seed after fertilization
2. zoology an immature ovum

ovule

/ ō′vyo̅o̅l,ŏv′yo̅o̅l /

1. The female reproductive structure that develops into a seed in a seed-bearing plant. An ovule consists of a megasporangium surrounded by one or two layers of tissue called integuments. The megasporangium produces spores that develop into megagametophytes. These megagametophytes remain within the tissues of the ovule and produce one or more egg cells. Sperm from pollen grains enter the ovule through an opening called a micropyle and fertilize the egg cells. The resulting embryo then begins to develop within the ovule, which becomes a seed. Among the conifers and cycads, the ovules are typically found in pairs on scales in the female cones. The ovules of angiosperms are contained in a structure called the ovary within in the flower.
2. See more at flower

Derived Forms

• ˈovular, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ovule¹

First recorded in 1820–30, ovule is from the Latin word ōvulum little egg. See ovum, -ule

Word History and Origins

Origin of ovule¹

C19: via French from Medieval Latin ōvulum a little egg, from Latin ōvum egg

Example Sentences

The tube extends through the style and into the ovary, allowing sperm cells to reach the egg and central cells in an ovule for fertilization.

From Science Daily

Normally, a pollen grain that sticks to the stigma of a flower during pollination germinates into a long tube that grows straight and unbranched through the ovary to the ovules, where fertilisation takes place.

From Science Daily

This variation is attributed to the process of meiosis, which generates reproductive cells like sperm and eggs in animals or pollen and ovules in plants.

From Science Daily

Staedler’s studies suggest that such orchids might produce more ovules—the part of the ovary that becomes the seed—potentially to compensate for reduced pollination rates1.

From Scientific American

Staedler’s studies suggest that such orchids might produce more ovules — the part of the ovary that becomes the seed — potentially to compensate for reduced pollination rates1.

From Nature

Related Words

• berry
• corn
• egg
• grain
• nut