micropyle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “micropyle” mean?
A minute opening in the surface of an ovule of a seed plant through which the pollen tube usually enters.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A minute opening in the surface of an ovule of a seed plant through which the pollen tube usually enters.
In zoology, a similar small opening in the membrane of an insect egg or the covering of certain spores through which fertilization or germination occurs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage between UK and US English. Both follow the same technical definition.
Connotations
Purely denotative with no cultural or emotional connotations.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language; used almost exclusively in botany, mycology, and entomology texts.
Grammar
How to Use “micropyle” in a Sentence
The pollen tube grows through [the] micropyle.The micropyle of [a seed/egg] is located at [position].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “micropyle” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The micropylar region showed distinct staining.
- Micropylar guidance is crucial for pollen tube targeting.
American English
- The micropylar end of the seed is where the opening forms.
- Researchers studied the micropylar exudate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in botany, plant physiology, entomology, and reproductive biology papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in descriptions of seed and egg anatomy, pollination, and fertilization processes.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “micropyle”
- Mispronouncing as /maɪˈkrɒpɪl/ or /ˈmɪkroʊpaɪl/.
- Using it as a general term for any small hole.
- Misspelling as 'micropile'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in zoology it refers to a similar small opening in the membranes of insect eggs or some fish eggs for sperm entry.
Usually not; it is microscopic or at least very minute, often requiring magnification to be observed clearly.
The hilum is the scar on a seed marking where it was attached to the ovary, while the micropyle is a distinct pore near the hilum, often serving as the entry point for the pollen tube.
Most angiosperm (flowering plant) seeds have a micropyle, though its prominence and function can vary. Some seeds may have it closed or obscured.
A minute opening in the surface of an ovule of a seed plant through which the pollen tube usually enters.
Micropyle is usually technical/scientific in register.
Micropyle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪkrə(ʊ)paɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmaɪkroʊˌpaɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'micro' (small) + 'pyle' (from Greek 'pylē', meaning gate). A 'small gate' for the pollen tube.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MICROPYLE IS A GATE/DOORWAY: It is conceptualized as an entry point or portal for fertilization.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a micropyle in botany?