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Webster 1913 Edition

Noun.

[

Micro-

+ Gr. [GREEK] gate, orifice: cf. F.

micropyle

(Biol.)

(a)

An opening in the membranes surrounding the ovum, by which nutrition is assisted and the entrance of the spermatozoa permitted.

(b)

An opening in the outer coat of a seed, through which the fecundating pollen enters the ovule.

–

Mi-crop′y-lar

(#)

Adj.

See also: micropile

micropyle ‎(plural micropyles)

(botany) In seed-bearing plants, a small opening in the integuments of the ovule through which sperm are able to access the ovum.

botany