ova
UK[ˈəʊvə]US[ˈoʊvə]
n
The plural form of ovum; the female reproductive cells or gametes of an animal, especially when mature and unfertilized.
Etymology
The word originates from the Latin 'ōvum', meaning "egg". This Latin term is itself derived from the Proto-Indo-European root h₂ōwyóm, also meaning "egg". This ancient root is the source for related words in many Indo-European languages, such as Greek ōión and Old Norse egg. In English, 'ova' was adopted directly from Latin in the 17th century to serve as the scientific and formal plural for 'ovum', maintaining its specialized biological meaning for female gametes.
Analysis
The word 'ova' is the plural form of the Latin loanword 'ovum', meaning "egg". It is not productively segmented into smaller morphemes in modern English usage.
Examples
The biologist studied the development of the ova under a microscope.
Fertility treatments often involve the harvesting of a woman's ova.
In many species, the ova are significantly larger than the male sperm cells.