anisogamous
|a-ni-so-ga-mous|
/ˌænɪˈsɒɡəməs/
unequal (dissimilar) gametes
Etymology
'anisogamous' originates from Greek, specifically the elements 'anisos' meaning 'unequal' and 'gamos' meaning 'marriage' or 'union' (used here for gametes).
'anisogamous' was formed from the New Latin/modern scientific coinage 'anisogamy' (from Greek roots) and entered English as the adjective 'anisogamous' in biological contexts during the late 19th to early 20th century.
Initially the Greek components literally meant 'unequal union/marriage'; over time the term evolved in biology to mean 'having dissimilar (unequal) gametes.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to or characterized by anisogamy; having gametes that differ in size or form (e.g., small motile sperm and large non-motile eggs).
Many multicellular organisms are anisogamous, producing small motile sperm and large immobile eggs.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/13 08:07