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Definition

noun, plural: ocytes

Alternative term for oocyte, a developing female germ cell or gamete.

Supplement

An ocyte is an immature female sex cell. It starts off as an oogonium by the process of oocytogenesis, and matures to give rise to a fully mature ovum or egg cell and ootid (by ootidogenesis).

Word origin: From Latin ovum (egg) + New Latin cyta from Ancient Greek kutos (vessel, jar).

Variant: oocyte

Compare: spermatocyte

See also: meiosis, ootidogenesis, oocytogenesis