Definition

A type of cell found in the male reproductive organs that develops into sperm cells.

Example

The spermatogonium undergoes several stages of division to eventually form mature sperm.

Conversation

I've been reading about how male reproduction works lately.

Oh really? What have you learned?

I found out that a spermatogonium is the first step in producing sperm cells.

That's interesting! I had no idea there was a specific name for those cells.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Spermatogonium is formed from "sperma" (σπέρμα) (meaning seed) and "gonium" (γόνιον) (meaning seed or generation). The word refers to a cell that is a precursor to sperm, essentially a seed for the generation of sperm cells.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sperma' meaning seed, and 'gonium' relating to generation — this helps you remember that a spermatogonium is a cell that generates sperm.

Visually Confused Words