blastula: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Proficient) / SpecializedAcademic / Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “blastula” mean?
An early-stage embryo consisting of a spherical layer of cells surrounding a fluid-filled cavity, forming after cleavage of the fertilized egg.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An early-stage embryo consisting of a spherical layer of cells surrounding a fluid-filled cavity, forming after cleavage of the fertilized egg.
In developmental biology, the stage of embryonic development that precedes gastrulation. It represents a key morphological step from a solid mass of cells to a hollow structure, which is fundamental in most animal development.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are identical.
Connotations
None beyond the strict scientific definition.
Frequency
Used with equal frequency and exclusivity in biological texts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “blastula” in a Sentence
The [embryo] develops into a blastula.A blastula consists of [a layer of cells].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blastula” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The blastular cavity is clearly visible.
American English
- Blastular morphology was examined.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Primary context. Used in textbooks and research papers in developmental biology, zoology, and medicine.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The sole context. Precise anatomical/embryological term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blastula”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “blastula”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blastula”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to blastula').
- Confusing it with 'blastocyst' (a mammalian-specific stage).
- Mispronouncing as /blɑːˈstuːlə/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A blastocyst is a specific stage in mammalian development, equivalent to the blastula but with a distinct inner cell mass and trophoblast.
Most animals do, but the process and specifics can vary. For example, birds and reptiles have a disc of cells rather than a hollow sphere due to the large yolk.
It establishes a multicellular, hollow structure that allows for cell differentiation and the beginning of tissue layering during the next stage, gastrulation.
Generally no. Blastulas are microscopic, though in some species with large eggs (like frogs), the late blastula might be just visible as a small sphere.
An early-stage embryo consisting of a spherical layer of cells surrounding a fluid-filled cavity, forming after cleavage of the fertilized egg.
Blastula is usually academic / technical / scientific in register.
Blastula: in British English it is pronounced /ˈblæstjʊlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈblæstʃələ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'blast' as in an explosion creating space, and 'ula' as a small thing: a small, hollow sphere created after the 'explosion' of cell division.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEVELOPMENT IS A JOURNEY THROUGH STAGES (The blastula is a key station on the journey from zygote to organism).
Practice
Quiz
What immediately follows the blastula stage in embryonic development?