micropyle noun. ['mʌɪkrǝ(ʊ)pʌɪl] E19.
[French, formed as MICRO- + Greek pulē gate.]
1. Botany. The opening in the integument of an ovule, through which the pollen-tube penetrates to the embryo sac. Also, the small pore in the ripe seed which represents this opening. E19.

2. Zoology. A small opening in the egg of some animals, esp. insects, through which spermatozoa can enter. M19.

■ micropylar adjective M19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲