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: a cell formed by the union of two gametes
broadly
: the developing individual produced from such a cell
Examples of zygote in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The zygote splits into two parts after conception, resulting in the development of two individual embryos.
—Pamela Prindle Fierro, Parents, 1 July 2024
The genetic instructions that drive the transformation of a single zygote into a living body are strikingly similar in our two species.
—Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2024
Feinberg says the ruling could potentially also make offering IVF too costly for providers, who might have to pay more for malpractice insurance in states where zygotes are considered people.
—Maria Godoy, NPR, 23 Feb. 2024
That will create a different zygote and you won't be born.
—Emlyn Travis, EW.com, 22 Sep. 2023
Su and her colleagues were able to characterize the RNA into five distinct genetic profiles or time periods of embryonic development: the oocyte or egg, zygote or fertilized egg, cleavage, morula and blastocyst stages.
—Deborah Balthazar, STAT, 17 Jan. 2024
Cell mitosis takes place over three to five days, as your zygote makes its way through your fallopian tube.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 18 Nov. 2023
Scientists say that a single zooid (formed from a single fertilized zygote) starts the development of a siphonophore colony through the process of budding.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 28 Aug. 2023
The zygote then divides, eventually forming an organism with mostly the same genetic material throughout its body.
—Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Apr. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'zygote.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Phrases Containing zygote
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Cite this Entry
“Zygote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zygote. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Kids Definition
zygote
noun
zy·gote
ˈzī-ˌgōt
: a cell formed by the union of two sex cells
also
: the developing individual produced from such a cell
Medical Definition
zygote
noun
zy·gote
ˈzī-ˌgōt
: a cell formed by the union of two gametes
broadly
: the developing individual produced from such a cell
More from Merriam-Webster on zygote
Nglish: Translation of zygote for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about zygote
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