isogamous
|i-so-ga-mous|
🇺🇸
/aɪˈsɑːɡəməs/
🇬🇧
/aɪˈsɒɡəməs/
equal-sized gametes
Etymology
'isogamous' originates from Greek, specifically the elements 'isos' meaning 'equal' and 'gamos' meaning 'marriage' or 'union', combined in New Latin/Modern scientific usage.
'isogamous' came into English via New Latin 'isogamus' (or the noun 'isogamy'), formed from Greek 'isos' + 'gamos', and was adopted in biological terminology to describe similar gametes.
Initially formed from elements meaning 'equal' + 'marriage/union', it evolved into a technical biological term meaning 'having similar gametes' or 'relating to isogamy'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having gametes that are similar in size and shape; relating to isogamy (a form of sexual reproduction in which gametes are morphologically similar).
Many species of green algae are isogamous, producing gametes that are alike in size and form.
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Adjective 2
descriptive use: characterized by or exhibiting equality of reproductive cells or partners (used in biology and evolutionary contexts).
Researchers noted isogamous mating systems in the studied population, which has implications for genetic exchange.
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Last updated: 2025/09/17 12:40