ovum

(ō′vŭ)

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pl. ova [L., egg]

1. The female reproductive or germ cell.
2. A cell that is capable of developing into a new organism of the same species. Usually fertilization by a spermatozoon is necessary, although in some lower animals ova develop without fertilization (parthenogenesis).
SEE: conception; SEE: fertilization; SEE: menstrual cycle; SEE: menstruation

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