Definition

A round mass of cells that forms early in the development of an embryo, created from the division of a fertilized egg before it becomes a blastula.

Example

The morula is an important stage in the early development of an embryo.

Conversation

I was reading about embryonic development and found out about the morula.

Oh really? What exactly is a morula?

It's the stage where a zygote forms a solid mass of cells before becoming a blastula.

That sounds fascinating! I never knew about those early stages.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Morula** → The word 'morula' comes from Latin 'morum' (meaning mulberry) and the diminutive suffix '-ula' (meaning small). The term refers to the early stage of embryonic development that resembles a small mulberry in shape. Thus, 'morula' describes a small, mulberry-like structure formed during the cleavage stage of embryonic development.

Memory Tip

Imagine a tiny 'mulberry' ('morum') that represents the early stage of an embryo — that's why 'morula' refers to this small, mulberry-like structure.

Visually Confused Words