gamete
3 synonyms for gamete, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A reproductive cell, such as a sperm or egg, that carries half the normal number of chromosomes.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
sex cell
reproductive cell
germ cell
How to use gamete
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
male gamete
female gamete
gamete formation
fuse gametes
A technical biology term, used in scientific rather than everyday contexts.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek words for wife, gametḗ, and husband, gamétēs, both ultimately from gámos, meaning marriage.
Full origin of gamete →Frequently asked questions
What is a gamete?
It's a reproductive cell, such as a sperm or an egg, carrying half the usual number of chromosomes.
Is a gamete the same as a sex cell?
Yes, sex cell is simply another name for a gamete.
Where does the word gamete come from?
It comes from Ancient Greek words for wife and husband, which themselves trace back to a word meaning marriage.
