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oviduct

oviduct

1 8.1
A tube in female animals that carries eggs from the ovary to the womb or outside the body
  • noun
  • /ˈoʊvɪˌdʌkt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : oviducto
  • In some species, the oviduct helps protect and nourish the developing eggs before they are laid.

And these the, this fluid was moved toward the in into an oviduct.

Examples

  • The queen's oviduct is specially adapted to receive sperm during mating, ensuring successful fertilization.

  • Semen is about to be injected into the oviducts of a queen bee.

    Academic text (2004)
  • PHOTO (BLACK & WHITE): An X-ray reveals an egg ready for laying in a female brown kiwi's oviduct.

    Academic text (1993)
  • The oviduct is a vital part of the female reproductive system where eggs travel from the ovary.

Synonyms

fallopian
vsoviduct
  • Specialized
10 5.1

A tube that carries an egg from an ovary to the womb

applies to more animals and to eggs that sometimes leave the body
Fallopian tube
vsoviduct
  • Specialized
8 5.5

One of two thin tubes in a woman's body that carry an egg from the ovary to the womb

is broader, covering species where eggs may pass outside the body
uterine tube
vsoviduct
  • Specialized
4.6

One of two tubes that carry an egg from the ovary to the uterus

is broader, applying to various animals and eggs that may exit the body

Surface Forms

oviduct singular
oviducts plural

Morphology

oviduct = duct (semi-transparent) = ovi + duct + ovi

The element 'ovi-' means 'egg' but is a scientific combining form not a standalone English word, so the compound 'egg-tube' is clear to those familiar with medical/scientific terms but not to all learners.

Etymology

The word oviduct comes from the Latin parts ovum 'egg' and duct 'to lead', and the duct part is the same as in 'air duct' meaning a tube. So an oviduct is literally a tube that 'leads' or carries eggs from the ovary to the uterus.