zygote

[ zahy-goht, zig-oht ]
/ ˈzaɪ goʊt, ˈzɪg oʊt /

noun Biology.

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

Origin of zygote

1885–90; < Greek zygōtós yoked, equivalent to zygō-, variant stem of zygoûn to yoke, join together (derivative of zygón yoke1) + -tos adj. suffix

Example sentences from the Web for zygote

British Dictionary definitions for zygote

zygote
/ (ˈzaɪɡəʊt, ˈzɪɡ-) /

noun

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

Derived forms of zygote

zygotic (zaɪˈɡɒtɪk, zɪ-), adjective zygotically, adverb

Word Origin for zygote

C19: from Greek zugōtos yoked, from zugoun to yoke

Medical definitions for zygote

zygote
[ zīgōt′ ]

n.

The cell that is formed by the union of two gametes, especially a fertilized ovum before cleavage.
The organism that develops from a zygote.

Other words from zygote

zy•gotic (-gŏtĭk) adj.

Scientific definitions for zygote

zygote
[ zīgōt′ ]

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

Cultural definitions for zygote

zygote
[ (zeye-goht) ]

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.