sperm-dependent
|sperm-de-pen-dent|
🇺🇸
/spɝm dɪˈpɛndənt/
🇬🇧
/spɜːm dɪˈpɛndənt/
requires sperm
Etymology
'sperm-dependent' is a compound formed from 'sperm' and 'dependent'. 'sperm' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'sperma', where 'sperm-' meant 'seed'. 'dependent' ultimately comes from Latin 'dependere' (via Old French/Middle English), where the prefix 'de-' meant 'down/from' and 'pendere' meant 'to hang'.
'sperm' entered English via Latin and Greek influence (Greek 'sperma'). 'dependent' came into English through Old French and Middle English from Latin 'dependere'. The compound 'sperm-dependent' is a modern English formation combining these two elements to describe reliance on sperm.
Individually, 'sperm' originally meant 'seed' while 'dependent' related to 'hanging down' or 'relying on'. Combined in modern usage, the compound has come to mean 'requiring or relying on sperm' for a process, especially in biological contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
requiring sperm to occur or function; depending on the presence or action of sperm (general use).
Some modes of egg activation are sperm-dependent and will not begin without sperm stimulation.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
in reproductive biology, describing development that requires sperm stimulation but not necessarily incorporation of paternal genetic material (e.g., gynogenesis).
Gynogenetic species reproduce via a sperm-dependent mechanism: sperm trigger egg development but do not contribute genetically to offspring.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/10 23:37