sperm
UK: /spɜːm/ | US: /spɜːrm/
n. 1. The male reproductive cell in animals and plants; semen.
n. 2. (Archaic) Seed or source of life (used metaphorically).
The word "sperm" originates from the Greek sperma (σπέρμα), meaning "seed." It entered Late Middle English via Old French esperme, retaining its core biological meaning. The Greek root sper- reflects the ancient conceptualization of male reproductive cells as the "seed" of life. Over time, the term narrowed to specifically denote semen or reproductive cells in animals, shedding its broader metaphorical use.
Sperm cells are microscopic and highly motile.
The doctor analyzed the sperm count for fertility testing.
In ancient texts, "sperm" sometimes symbolized the origin of creation.
Whale spermaceti, historically mistaken for sperm, was used in candle-making.
Modern IVF techniques involve direct sperm injection into eggs.