spermatozoon Definition

spermatozoon
noun

spermatozoa
1. zool.
In male animals: the small motile male gamete that locates, penetrates and fertilizes the female gamete, and which usually consists of a head containing a nucleus, and a long ‘tail' that moves it forward. Often shortened to sperm.

Derivative: spermatozoal
adj

Having, relating to or resembling spermatozoa.

Etymology: 19c: from spermato- + Greek zoion animal.