structure containing a mass of sperm cells produced by the male of certain animal species (Zoology)
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Spermatophore Definition from Language, Idioms & Slang Dictionaries & Glossaries
(n.)
Same as Spermospore.
Same as Spermospore.
(n.)
A capsule or pocket inclosing a number of spermatozoa. They are present in many annelids, brachiopods, mollusks, and crustaceans. In cephalopods the structure of the capsule is very complex.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), edited by Noah Porter. AboutA capsule or pocket inclosing a number of spermatozoa. They are present in many annelids, brachiopods, mollusks, and crustaceans. In cephalopods the structure of the capsule is very complex.
Spermatophore Definition from Encyclopedia Dictionaries & Glossaries
A spermatophore or sperm ampulla is a capsule or mass created by males of various animal species, containing spermatozoa and transferred in entirety to the female's ovipore during copulation. It may contain nourishment for the female, in which case it is called a nuptial gift, although in many species the "gift" provides little nutrient value (one group in which it usually is nutritious are the bush crickets). The alternative hypothesis of its usefulness is that the process of eating the spermatophore prevents the female from subsequent copulation, thereby giving the male's sperm more time to fertilize.
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