Ovum
- Pronunciation
- /OH-vum/
- Category
- Reproductive biology
- Singular
- Ovum
- Plural
- Ova
Definition
The female reproductive cell or egg in insects and arachnids, which, after fertilization, develops into an embryo.
Etymology
From Latin 'ovum', meaning 'egg'.
Example
The ovum of a queen bee is fertilized by drone sperm before developing into a larva.
Synonyms
- Egg cell
- Female gamete
Related Terms
- Sperm
- Fertilization
- Embryo
- Larva
- Reproduction
Usage Notes
Ova are crucial for sexual reproduction and are often stored in the ovary until they are ready to be released during oviposition.