blastocyst: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “blastocyst” mean?
An early stage in the development of an embryo in mammals, a hollow ball of cells, which later implants in the uterine wall.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An early stage in the development of an embryo in mammals, a hollow ball of cells, which later implants in the uterine wall.
The structure formed after the morula stage and before implantation, consisting of an inner cell mass (which will become the embryo) and an outer trophoblast layer (which will become part of the placenta).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are identical.
Connotations
Purely scientific/medical, no cultural connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “blastocyst” in a Sentence
The blastocyst implants in the endometrium.The embryo develops into a blastocyst.Scientists studied the blastocyst.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blastocyst” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The blastocyst-stage embryo is ready for transfer.
- Blastocyst development was monitored.
American English
- The blastocyst-stage embryo is ready for transfer.
- Blastocyst development was monitored.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Primary context. Used in embryology, developmental biology, reproductive medicine, and stem cell research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used except in specific discussions about IVF or early pregnancy.
Technical
The standard, precise term for this developmental stage in medical and biological contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blastocyst”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “blastocyst”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blastocyst”
- Misspelling as 'blastocist' or 'blastocycst'.
- Using it to refer to any early embryo, rather than the specific hollow-ball stage.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a blastocyst is a stage of embryonic development, a cluster of cells that has the potential to develop into a fetus and eventually a baby, but it is not itself a baby.
A zygote is the single cell formed immediately after fertilisation. Through cell division, it becomes a morula (solid ball of cells) and then a blastocyst (hollow ball of cells).
Allowing embryos to develop to the blastocyst stage (Day 5) helps embryologists select the most viable embryos for transfer, which can improve pregnancy rates.
Yes, but only under a microscope. A human blastocyst is about 0.1-0.2 mm in diameter, roughly the size of the period at the end of this sentence.
An early stage in the development of an embryo in mammals, a hollow ball of cells, which later implants in the uterine wall.
Blastocyst is usually technical/scientific in register.
Blastocyst: in British English it is pronounced /ˈblæstəʊsɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈblæstoʊsɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'blast' (bud/germ) + 'cyst' (sac). It's the germinal sac stage of development.
Conceptual Metaphor
None in common use.
Practice
Quiz
What is a blastocyst?