Oogamous

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Involving a reproductive process where there is a distinct size difference between the two gametes, with one being large and the other small and mobile
2. Pertaining to a method of sexual reproduction characterized by the size disparity of gametes, where one is larger and immobile, and the other is smaller and able to move
3. Relating to a reproductive strategy in which there is a notable difference in size between two types of gametes, distinguishing one as larger and non-motile while the other is smaller and motile

Etymology: Oogamous is built from two Greek pieces: "ōion", meaning egg, which appears in English as "oo-", and "gamos", meaning marriage or union, the root behind "-gamous" in words like "monogamous." Put together, the word describes reproduction in which the two partners are unequal: one large, egg-like gamete and one small, mobile one. The "oo-" element points to the large gamete, while the "-gamous" part is the same suffix that marks other sexual systems, so the word simply names a fusion of unlike cells. Its meaning is strictly technical, used in biology to describe the reproductive pattern found in many organisms, and the word belongs to the vocabulary of scientific description rather than everyday speech.

Synonyms: sexual reproduction, gametic, fertilization, reproductive, anisogamous