spermatophore: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “spermatophore” mean?
A capsule or packet containing sperm, produced by males of certain animal species for transfer to females during reproduction.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A capsule or packet containing sperm, produced by males of certain animal species for transfer to females during reproduction.
In broader biological contexts, it refers to any structure that carries and delivers sperm in various invertebrates and some vertebrates.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling; usage is consistent in scientific literature.
Connotations
Neutral, scientific term with no cultural or regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, primarily encountered in academic or technical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “spermatophore” in a Sentence
the spermatophore of [animal]production of spermatophoresto deposit a spermatophoreVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Common in biological research papers, textbooks, and discussions on animal reproduction.
Everyday
Rarely used outside scientific or educational contexts.
Technical
Frequent in zoology, entomology, and reproductive biology, especially regarding invertebrates.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spermatophore”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spermatophore”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spermatophore”
- Mispronouncing as 'sper-ma-toe-fore' instead of 'sper-ma-toe-for', or misspelling as 'spermataphore'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Many invertebrates such as insects, mollusks, and some amphibians use spermatophores for sperm transfer.
No, it is a specialized term primarily used in scientific and academic contexts related to biology.
In American English, it is pronounced as /ˈspɝːmətəfɔːr/, with stress on the first syllable.
Rarely; it might be used metaphorically in discussions about packaging or delivery systems in biology, but this is uncommon.
A capsule or packet containing sperm, produced by males of certain animal species for transfer to females during reproduction.
Spermatophore is usually technical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'sperma' for sperm and 'phore' for bearer, so it's a bearer of sperm.
Conceptual Metaphor
A vehicle for genetic delivery, packaging life for transmission.
Practice
Quiz
What is a spermatophore?