n. (pl. same or sperms)
1. SPERMATOZOON.
2 the male reproductive fluid containing spermatozoa; semen.
3 sperm whale.
4 SPERMACETI.
5 sperm oil.
Phrases and idioms:
sperm bank a supply of semen stored for use in artificial insemination. sperm count the number of spermatozoa in one ejaculation or a measured amount of semen. sperm oil an oil obtained from the head of a sperm whale, and used as a lubricant. sperm whale a large whale, Physeter macrocephalus, hunted for the spermaceti and sperm oil contained in its bulbous head, and for the ambergris found in its intestines: also called CACHALOT.
Etymology: ME f. LL sperma f. Gk sperma -atos seed f. speiro sow: in sperm whale an abbr. of SPERMACETI