pronucleus

[ proh-noo-klee-uh s, -nyoo- ]
/ proʊˈnu kli əs, -ˈnyu- /

noun, plural pro·nu·cle·i [proh-noo-klee-ahy, -nyoo-] /proʊˈnu kliˌaɪ, -ˈnyu-/. Cell Biology.

either of the gametic nuclei that unite in fertilization to form the nucleus of the zygote.

Origin of pronucleus

From New Latin, dating back to 1875–80; see origin at pro-1, nucleus

Words nearby pronucleus

pronounce, pronounced, pronouncement, pronto, pronuclear, pronucleus, pronuke, pronunciamento, pronunciation, pronunciation spelling, prony brake

British Dictionary definitions for pronucleus

pronucleus
/ (ˌprəʊˈnjuːklɪəs) /

noun plural -clei (-klɪˌaɪ)

the nucleus of a mature ovum or spermatozoan before fertilization

Medical definitions for pronucleus

pronucleus
[ prō-nōō′klē-əs ]

n.

One of two nuclei undergoing fusion in karyogamy.
The haploid nucleus of a sperm or egg before fusion of the nuclei in fertilization.