What is "spermatozoid"

Spermatozoid \Sper`ma*to*zo"id\, n. [Spermatozo["o]n + Gr. e'i^dos form.] (Biol.) The male germ cell in animals and plants, the essential element in fertilization; a microscopic animalcule-like particle, usually provided with one or more cilia by which it is capable of active motion. In animals, the familiar type is that of a small, more or less ovoid head, with a delicate threadlike cilium, or tail. Called also spermatozo["o]n. In plants the more usual term is antherozoid.

n. (context biology English) A motile, ciliated male gamete produced in the antheridium of an alga, fern or gymnosperm.

n. a motile male gamete of a plant such as an alga or fern or gymnosperm [syn: antherozoid]