polar body

noun

, Cell Biology.

1. one of the minute cells arising from the unequal meiotic divisions of the ovum at or near the time of fertilization.

polar body

noun

1. physiol a tiny cell containing little cytoplasm that is produced with the ovum during oogenesis when the oocyte undergoes meiosis

polar body

1. One of the small cells that are produced during the development of an oocyte and ultimately degenerate. A polar body contains one of the nuclei derived from the first or second meiotic division but little or no cytoplasm.
2. See Note at oogenesis

Word History and Origins

Origin of polar body¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

The cell that fuses with the egg is known as a polar body.

From Seattle Times

It will have one diplomat, whose work will focus on business outreach, science and the Arctic Council, a polar body comprising the eight Arctic states of Russia, the U.S.,

From Reuters

Tromsoe is also the seat of the Arctic Council, a polar body comprising the eight Arctic states of Russia, the US, Canada, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Sweden and Denmark.

From Reuters

In this process, cellular sacs called polar bodies are created as byproducts that contain chromosomes and can fertilize the egg.

From Salon

"An egg and its associated polar body are fertilized by separate sperm. The resulting individual is a male-female chimera."

From BBC