Micropyle
- Pronunciation
- /ˈmī-krō-ˌpīl/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- Micropyle
- Plural
- Micropyles
Definition
A small opening or pore on the surface of an insect egg, through which sperm can enter.
Etymology
From Greek 'mikros', meaning 'small', and 'pyle', meaning 'gate'.
Example
The micropyle of a butterfly egg allows for the passage of sperm during fertilization.