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oogamy

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: //ˈuːɡəmi//

KK: /ˈuːɡəmi/

noun
Definition

A type of reproduction where the female reproductive cell is much larger than the male cell and does not move.


Example

In oogamy, the egg cell is larger and stationary compared to the smaller, mobile sperm cell.


Conversation
Sloth A
I was reading about different reproductive strategies in biology.
Sloth B
Oh really? What did you find interesting?
Sloth A
I learned about oogamy, where the egg is much larger than the sperm.
Sloth B
That sounds fascinating! It's amazing how nature has such varied methods.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
anisogamy
heterogamy
gametogenesis
Antonyms
isogamy
homogamy
uniformity
Root Explanation

Oogamy is formed from "oo-" (from Greek "oion", meaning egg) and "gamos" (meaning marriage or union). The term refers to a type of sexual reproduction involving the fusion of a large, non-motile egg cell with a smaller, motile sperm cell, symbolizing the union of these two distinct gametes.

Memory Tip

Think of 'egg' ('oo-') coming together in 'marriage' ('gamos') with sperm to create new life, which is the essence of oogamy.

Visually Confused Words
zoogamy
porogamy
octogamy
monogamy
homogamy
hologamy
orthogamy
ogam
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