zygote

noun

zy·​gote ˈzī-ˌgōt How to pronounce zygote (audio)
: a cell formed by the union of two gametes
broadly : the developing individual produced from such a cell
zygotic adjective

Examples of zygote in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And when the researchers injected the RNAs from the sperm of the fat-eating mice into a zygote, some of the male offspring showed metabolic issues associated with a high-fat diet. Ivan Amato, Quanta Magazine, 22 Dec. 2025 The two-cell stage embryo is the very early embryonic stage where the original fertilized egg (zygote) has divided into two distinct cells (blastomeres) that continue to divide. New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2025 The zygote matures into an embryo, and the embryo develops into a fetus.7 While human body cells have 46 chromosomes, sperm cells have 23 chromosomes. Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 19 Sep. 2024 The zygote splits into two parts after conception, resulting in the development of two individual embryos. Pamela Prindle Fierro, Parents, 1 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for zygote

Word History

Etymology

Greek zygōtos yoked, from zygoun to join — more at zygoma

First Known Use

circa 1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zygote was circa 1887

Cite this Entry

“Zygote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zygote. Accessed 3 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

zygote

noun
zy·​gote ˈzī-ˌgōt How to pronounce zygote (audio)
: a cell formed by the union of two sex cells
also : the developing individual produced from such a cell
zygotic adjective

Medical Definition

zygote

noun
zy·​gote ˈzī-ˌgōt How to pronounce zygote (audio)
: a cell formed by the union of two gametes
broadly : the developing individual produced from such a cell

More from Merriam-Webster on zygote

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