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pronucleus

noun
pro·​nu·​cle·​us | \ (ˌ)prō-ˈnü-klē-əs How to pronounce pronucleus (audio) , -ˈnyü-\

Definition of pronucleus

: the haploid nucleus of a male or female gamete (such as an egg or sperm) up to the time of fusion with that of another gamete in fertilization

Examples of pronucleus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Pronuclear transfer is the easier and cheaper method since the pronucleus is larger and easier to image and transfer than the spindle. — Radhika Viswanathan, Vox, "3 biological parents, 1 child, and an international controversy," 24 July 2018

First Known Use of pronucleus

1876, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for pronucleus

New Latin

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More Definitions for pronucleus

pronucleus

noun
pro·​nu·​cle·​us | \ (ˈ)prō-ˈn(y)ü-klē-əs How to pronounce pronucleus (audio) \
plural pronuclei\ -​klē-​ˌī How to pronounce pronuclei (audio) \ also pronucleuses

Medical Definition of pronucleus

: the haploid nucleus of a male or female gamete (as an egg or sperm) up to the time of fusion with that of another gamete in fertilization — see female pronucleus, male pronucleus

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