gonad

noun

go·​nad ˈgō-ˌnad How to pronounce gonad (audio)
: a reproductive gland (such as an ovary or testis) that produces gametes
gonadal adjective

Examples of gonad in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Checking the gonads also helped confirm that the frogs were adults, and thus fully grown. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Feb. 2024 In addition to minor side effects that many users joke about—such as short-term memory loss—recent studies have linked marijuana to adverse health outcomes involving the lungs, heart, brain and gonads. Jesse Greenspan, Scientific American, 20 Feb. 2024 Those eyes are enlarged for a reason, as the gonad will often need to navigate in murky waters. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 8 Dec. 2023 The worm has organs called gonad primordia on the underside of its posterior end. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 8 Dec. 2023 The formation of the stolon itself begins when the gonads near the worm’s butt mature. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2023 Both gonads are functional and produce spermatozoa and oocyte respectively after puberty. Discover Magazine, 19 Nov. 2019 The genes are not typically expressed as much in the middle of the body, except for when the gonads are developing. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2023 Prior studies by Dhillo of healthy men with no libido problems found giving them kisspeptin boosted levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone, which is important for gonad function. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 11 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gonad.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin gonad-, gonas, from Greek gonos

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gonad was in 1880

Dictionary Entries Near gonad

Cite this Entry

“Gonad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gonad. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

gonad

noun
go·​nad ˈgō-ˌnad How to pronounce gonad (audio)
: a sperm- or egg-producing gland (as a testis or ovary)

called also sex gland

Medical Definition

gonad

noun
go·​nad ˈgō-ˌnad How to pronounce gonad (audio)
: a gamete-producing reproductive gland (as an ovary or testis)
gonadal adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on gonad

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