Ovae

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A biological term referring to the plural form of ova, which are female reproductive cells essential for sexual reproduction
2. In the context of various organisms, this term denotes multiple eggs involved in fertilization processes, contributing to embryonic development
3. Commonly used in zoology and botany, this word signifies more than one ovum, highlighting their role in species propagation and genetics

Etymology: "Ovae" is not a standard English form. The plural English uses is "ova," which comes from "ovum," so this is most likely a misspelling of that plural. Latin "ovum" simply meant "egg," and English borrowed it directly, keeping the Latin neuter plural "ova." It is a word from the same family as Greek "oion," which also meant "egg," and both descend from an Indo-European root for the same thing.

Synonyms: eggs, gametes