polyspermy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2)Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “polyspermy” mean?
The penetration of an egg by more than one sperm.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The penetration of an egg by more than one sperm.
In biology, specifically in embryology and fertilization biology, it refers to the pathological or abnormal condition where multiple sperm cells fuse with a single ovum, which typically leads to the death of the zygote. In some plant species, it can be a normal, non-fatal process. More broadly, the term can metaphorically describe an overabundance of inputs or contributors to a single entity, though this is rare.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical technical, pathological connotation in both dialects.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse. Frequency is identical and confined to specialised biological texts and lectures in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “polyspermy” in a Sentence
Polyspermy occurs when [condition]The egg prevents polyspermy by [mechanism][Factor] can lead to polyspermy.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “polyspermy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The egg must rapidly depolarise to polyspermise? (Note: 'polyspermise' is not a standard verb. Standard phrasing: '...to prevent becoming polyspermic.')
American English
- The research aimed to induce the oocyte to polyspermize? (Note: Not standard. Standard: '...to induce polyspermy in the oocyte.')
adverb
British English
- The egg fused polyspermically? (Note: Extremely rare/non-standard. Standard phrasing: 'The egg was fertilized polyspermically' is theoretically possible but almost never used.)
American English
- The zygote developed abnormally, having been fertilized polyspermically? (See British note.)
adjective
British English
- The polyspermic embryo was not viable for implantation.
American English
- They observed a polyspermic fertilization event under the microscope.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Exclusively used in advanced biology, reproductive science, and embryology textbooks and research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Would be unknown to the general public.
Technical
The primary domain of use. Describes a key concept in fertilization mechanisms and assisted reproductive technology (ART) quality control.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “polyspermy”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “polyspermy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “polyspermy”
- Misspelling as 'polysperm' or 'polyspermic' when using the noun form. Using it as an adjective without the '-y' (correct adjective is 'polyspermic'). Incorrectly applying it to situations of multiple eggs being fertilized (that is multiple fertilization, not polyspermy).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In most animals, it is always abnormal and lethal. However, in some plants (like certain gymnosperms) and a few exceptional animal species, polyspermy can occur normally, with additional sperm nuclei degenerating.
Polyspermy is the general term for entry of more than one sperm. Dispermy is a specific type of polyspermy where exactly two sperm enter the egg. It is the most frequently observed form of polyspermy.
It introduces extra sets of chromosomes (e.g., three pronuclei instead of two), leading to an abnormal chromosome count (triploidy). This disrupts the genetic balance and embryonic programming, typically causing early developmental arrest or miscarriage.
Virtually only in very advanced science education, documentaries about human reproduction or IVF, or in popular science articles discussing fertility treatments and embryonic health.
The penetration of an egg by more than one sperm.
Polyspermy is usually technical / scientific in register.
Polyspermy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɒl.iˌspɜː.mi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɑː.liˌspɝː.mi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No idioms exist for this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'POLY' (many) + 'SPERM' + 'Y' (state/condition) = the condition of many sperm entering one egg.
Conceptual Metaphor
A 'gated community' failure: The egg's membrane is like a secure gate meant to allow only one approved entrant (sperm); polyspermy is a security breach with multiple intruders getting in, causing system failure.
Practice
Quiz
What is the direct result of polyspermy in most animals?