zygote

[ zahy-goht, zig-oht ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Biology.

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

zygote

/ ˈzɪɡ-; ˈzaɪɡəʊt; zɪ-; zaɪˈɡɒtɪk /

noun

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

zygote

/ zī′gōt′ /

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

zygote

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 .

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Derived Forms

zygotic, adjective
zyˈgotically, adverb

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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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of zygote¹

C19: from Greek zugōtos yoked, from zugoun to yoke

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Example Sentences

From such a cell (zygote), half male, half female, the body of every living organism has sprung.

From Project Gutenberg

If this is true, the centrosome of the zygote nucleus must be entirely derived from that of the male pronucleus.

From Project Gutenberg

The first change the zygote undergoes in all animals is what is generally called the segmentation or cleavage of the ovum.

From Project Gutenberg

Is it, in other words, an unalterable property of the zygote, a genetic character?

From Project Gutenberg

But when the zygote in its turn comes to form gametes, the partnership is broken and the process is reversed.

From Project Gutenberg

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