acrosome
|ac-ro-some|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˈækrəˌsoʊm/
🇬🇧
/ˈækrəˌsəʊm/
sperm cap
Etymology
Etymology Information
'acrosome' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'akros,' meaning 'topmost' or 'extreme,' and 'soma,' meaning 'body.'
Historical Evolution
'Acrosome' was coined in the late 19th century from the Greek words 'akros' and 'soma.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to the 'topmost body' of the sperm, and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a cap-like structure derived from the Golgi apparatus that covers the anterior half of the head of a spermatozoon. It contains enzymes that help the sperm penetrate the egg.
The acrosome reaction is crucial for fertilization.
Last updated: 2025/04/28 20:36