sperm

Everyday

1. A sperm is a tiny male cell made by male animals and men; when a sperm joins with an egg cell from a female, a new baby animal or baby human can start to grow. tree →
2. In plants, the male cells that join with egg cells are carried in pollen. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons sperm comes up in life cycles and reproduction: sperm and egg join (fertilisation), and the new living thing gets half its DNA from each parent. Fish and frogs often release eggs and sperm into water; in mammals, including humans, the baby grows inside the mother. Pupils learn this as respectful, plain science. The «sperm whale» is named after the waxy stuff in its head that people long ago wrongly thought was sperm.

Examples

• A baby starts when a sperm and an egg join. tree →
• A sperm cell has a long tail to help it swim. tree →
• Half of your DNA came from the sperm and half from the egg. tree →
• Frogs release eggs and sperm into the pond. tree →
• Sperm are much too small to see without a microscope. tree →
• The sperm whale is the largest toothed whale. tree →

Note

Plural «sperm» or «sperms»; «a sperm cell» is clear and polite. It is a proper science word, not a rude one. Trap: the sperm whale's name comes from an old mistake and has nothing to do with sperm cells.