Definition

Describing a type of reproduction where there are small, moving male cells and larger, stationary female cells.

Example

In oogamous species, the male gametes swim to fertilize the larger female gametes.

Conversation

Did you know that some plants are oogamous?

Really? What does that mean exactly?

It means they have small, motile male gametes and large, nonmotile female gametes.

That’s fascinating! Nature is so interesting.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Oogamous → It is formed from "oo-" (from Greek "oion", meaning egg) and "gamos" (from Greek "gamos", meaning marriage or union). The word describes a type of sexual reproduction involving the fusion of a large egg cell with a smaller sperm cell, hence the concept of 'egg marriage'.

Memory Tip

Think of 'egg' ('oo-') coming together in a 'union' ('gamos') — that's why oogamous refers to reproduction involving an egg.

Visually Confused Words