spermatogenesis

[ spur-mat-uh-jen-uh-sis, spur-muh-tuh- ]

nounBiology.
  1. the origin and development of spermatozoa.

Origin of spermatogenesis

1
From New Latin, dating back to 1880–85; see origin at spermato-, -genesis

Other words from spermatogenesis

  • sper·ma·to·ge·net·ic [spur-muh-toh-juh-net-ik, sper-mat-oh-], /ˌspɜr mə toʊ dʒəˈnɛt ɪk, spərˌmæt oʊ-/, adjective

Words Nearby spermatogenesis

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How to use spermatogenesis in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for spermatogenesis

spermatogenesis

/ (ˌspɜːmətəʊˈdʒɛnɪsɪs) /


noun
  1. the formation and maturation of spermatozoa in the testis: See also spermatocyte (def. 1)

Derived forms of spermatogenesis

  • spermatogenetic (ˌspɜːmətəʊdʒəˈnɛtɪk), adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for spermatogenesis

spermatogenesis

[ spər-măt′ə-jĕnĭ-sĭs, spûr′mə-tə- ]


  1. The formation and development of spermatozoa. Spermatogenesis in humans begins with the spermatogonium, the diploid cell that undergoes mitosis to form new spermatogonia as well as cells called primary spermatocytes. Each primary spermatocyte then undergoes the first meiotic division to produce two secondary spermatocytes. Each secondary spermatocyte undergoes the second meiotic division to produce two nonmotile cells called spermatids. The four spermatids then develop flagella and become sperm. Since some of the original spermatogonia replace themselves, the males are able to produce large numbers of sperm continuously after sexual maturity.

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