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1. The diploid cell resulting from union of a sperm and an ovum. Cf.:conceptus. 2. The individual that develops from a fertilized ovum. [G. zygotos, yoked]
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zy·gote 'zī-.gōt n a cell formed by the union of two gametes broadly the developing individual produced from such a cell
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n.
the fertilized ovum before cleavage begins. It contains both male and female pronuclei.
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zy·gote (ziґgōt) [Gr. zygōtos yoked together] the diploid cell resulting from union of a male and a female gamete (spermatozoon and oocyte). More precisely, the cell after synapsis at the completion of fertilization until first cleavage. Also, used loosely to refer to the fertilized oocyte and early derivatives for an indefinite period. Cf. conceptus. zygotic adjMedical dictionary. 2011.