male

views updated May 29 2018

male
1. Denoting the gamete (sex cell) that, during sexual reproduction, fuses with a female gamete in the process of fertilization. Male gametes are generally smaller than the female gametes and are usually motile (see spermatozoon).

2. (Denoting) an individual whose reproductive organs produce only male gametes. Compare hermaphrodite.

male

views updated May 29 2018

male XIV. — OF. male, earlier masle (mod. mâle):- L. masculus (cf. MASCULINE).

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