sperm

Term: sperm

Literally meaning: “seed”

Origin: Anc Greek

σπέρμα/sperma(=seed) > σπείρω/spearo (=disperse)

Coined/History

Spermatozoa were first observed in 1677 by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek with  a microscope. Leeuwenhoek named them animalcules (litle animals) because it was believed that each sperm contained a well formed but small human.

Definition

The male reproductive cell (gamete).