espermatozoid

sperm cell

noun es-pehr-mah-toh-SOY-deh Rare

Origin: From Greek sperma (seed) + zoion (animal).

Usage Note

Espermatozoide is the standard scientific term for a male gamete. The word is masculine (el espermatozoide) despite the seed data listing it as feminine — a common error. In medical and biology contexts the full form is preferred; colloquially, espermatozoide is sometimes shortened in speech but never in formal writing.

Examples

"Un espermatozoide fecunda el óvulo."

Natural Translation

A sperm cell fertilizes the egg.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

How to Respond to ¿Cómo Estás? (Not Just Bien)

Respond to ¿cómo estás? like a native: add gracias, bounce back ¿y tú?, and pick a reply by mood — bien, no me quejo, más o menos, or ahí voy.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Por vs Para in Spanish: One Mental Model, No Acronyms

Por looks backward at cause and path; para looks forward at goal and destination. Master por vs para in Spanish with one mental model — no acronyms needed.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Mexican Spanish Slang Every Traveler Should Know

Mexican Spanish slang decoded for travelers: what güey, mande, órale, and ahorita really mean, who you can safely say them to, and how rude each one is.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Spain vs Latin American Spanish: Key Differences

Spain and Latin American Spanish are fully mutually intelligible. Compare vosotros vs ustedes, coche vs carro, the 'th' sound, and learn which one to study.

June 9, 2026 6 min read