Oocyte
Also written as egg
The medical term for an egg cell, the female reproductive cell that can be fertilised to form an embryo.
In plain English
It's the clinical word for an egg.
Why it matters
You'll see this word in clinic letters and lab reports, for example in 'oocyte retrieval' meaning egg collection.
Related terms
Guides that cover this
Written by patients, not clinicians. This page has not yet been reviewed by a named fertility professional, so it explains published guidance and points you to the original source instead of giving medical advice. It is not medical advice. Decisions about your treatment belong with your own clinic. Read our editorial policy and corrections policy.