micropyle

From French, from Ancient Greek μικρός (mikrós, “small”) + πύλη (púlē, “gate”).

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈmaɪ.kɹəʊˌpaɪl/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈmaɪ.kɹoʊˌpaɪl/

micropyle (plural micropyles)

1. (botany) In seed-bearing plants, a small opening in the integuments of the ovule through which sperm are able to access the ovum.
2. (zoology) The hilum of an ovum at the point of attachment to the ovary; any opening in the coverings of an ovum by which spermatozoa may find entrance.

• coprimely, polymeric