Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
spermatocele

spermatocele

1 9.9
A small swelling on the testicle that contains sperm
  • noun
  • /ˌspɜrməˈtoʊsiːl/
  • Specialized
: espermatocele
  • What is a spermatocele?

Examples

  • Ultrasound imaging confirmed the presence of a spermatocele in the patient's scrotum.

  • The doctor diagnosed the painless lump as a spermatocele after a physical examination.

  • A large spermatocele may sometimes cause discomfort and require medical intervention.

  • The doctor diagnosed him with a spermatocele.

  • A spermatocele is often painless and can be felt as a lump above the testis.

  • The doctor explained that a spermatocele is a cystic swelling that can occur on the epididymis.

  • He noticed a swelling in his scrotum and learned it was likely a spermatocele.

Surface Forms

spermatocele singular
spermatocele plural

Morphology

spermatocele = sperm (semi-transparent) = spermato + cele

The component 'sperm' is recognizable, but the suffix '-cele' is a technical medical combining form meaning a swelling and is unfamiliar to average learners.

Etymology

Spermatocele comes from Greek parts: sperma meaning 'seed', like the common word sperm, and -cele meaning 'swelling'. So a spermatocele is a swelling or cyst that contains 'seed' (sperm) near the testis, which explains the medical meaning of the word.