1. a small, non-motile male reproductive cell found in certain fungi, algae, and lichens
Usage: biology; technical

Examples

• The fungus produces spermatia that fertilize the female reproductive structures.
• In red algae, spermatia are carried by water currents to reach the female gametes.
• The lichen’s spermatium lacks flagella and cannot swim independently.
• Researchers observed spermatia being released from the male reproductive organs.
• The spermatium fuses with the female cell to complete fertilization.