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Definition

noun, plural: ootids

The haploid female sex cell that results from the process of ootidogenesis, which is when the secondary oocyte (or first polar body) divides or completes meiosis II.

Supplement

In humans, the secondary oocytes are arrested at metaphase II of meiosis II until the time that fertilization has started. At fertilization, the secondary oocytes complete the remaining stages of meiosis II resulting in the formation of an ootid and an ovum. (Also at this time the first polar body divides meiotically giving rise to two polar bodies).

See also: secondary oocyte