noun
- an immature egg cell in the ovary before it undergoes meiosis
Usage: biology
Examples
- The oocyte develops within the ovarian follicle.
- Primary oocytes are arrested in the first stage of meiosis.
- During ovulation, the mature oocyte is released from the ovary.
- Scientists studied the development of oocytes in laboratory conditions.
- The oocyte contains all the genetic material needed for reproduction.
- Fertilization occurs when a sperm cell penetrates the oocyte.