ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈzōˌän, (ˌ) ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷-, -ōən noun
( plural spermatozoa -ōə)
Etymology: New Latin, from spermat- + -zoon
1. : a motile male gamete of an animal produced in the male reproductive gland usually in great numbers, varying greatly in form in different animals but usually consisting of a rounded or elongate head made up chiefly of the greatly condensed nucleus, a thickened middle piece, and a long posterior flagellum that provides motility, discharged in a fluid semen or a gelatinous spermatophore, and under suitable conditions (as of moisture and temperature) capable of actively seeking the typically much larger passive ovum — compare fertilization , spermatogenesis
2. : spermatozoid 1