MICROPYLE

Mi″cro‐pyle (?), n. [[Micro- + Gr. � gate, orifice: cf. F. micropyle.]] (Biol.) (a) An opening in the membranes surrounding the ovum, by which nutrition is assisted and the entrance of the spermatozoa permitted. (b) An opening in the outer coat of a seed, through which the fecundating pollen enters the ovule. — Mi‐crop″y‐lar (#), a.