spermatium

noun

sper·ma·ti·um (ˌ)spər-ˈmā-sh(ē-)əm

plural spermatia (ˌ)spər-ˈmā-sh(ē-)ə

: a nonmotile male gamete of a red alga

also : a nonmotile cell functioning as a male gamete in certain fungi and lichens

spermatial

(ˌ)spər-ˈmā-sh(ē-)əl

adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek spermation, diminutive of spermat-, sperma

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of spermatium was in 1856

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Spermatium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/spermatium. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

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spermatium

noun

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