micropyle

2 definitions found

micropyle - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Micropyle \Mi"cro*pyle\, n. [Micro- + Gr. ? 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,
         a.
         [1913 Webster]

micropyle - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  micropyle
      n 1: minute opening in the wall of an ovule through which the
           pollen tube enters