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Egg Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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egg

[ɛɡ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

food

An egg is a round or oval object that is produced by a female bird and contains a baby bird or animal. Eggs are commonly used as a food source, either cooked or raw.

Synonyms

egg cell, embryo, ovum.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
egg

Colloquial term used to describe a person with specific characteristics or as an insult.

  • He's a good egg.
  • Don't listen to him; he's a bad egg.
ovum

A scientific and medical term for the mature female reproductive cell or egg cell.

  • The ovum was fertilized during the procedure.
  • Ova can be harvested for in vitro fertilization.
egg cell

Used in a biological or medical context to describe the female reproductive cell.

  • Scientists are studying the fertilization process of the egg cell.
  • The egg cell is crucial in the development of a new organism.
embryo

Used in a biological, medical, and developmental context to describe the early stages of development after fertilization, but before becoming a fetus.

  • The embryo is developing normally.
  • Research on embryos helps scientists understand early human development.

Examples of usage

  • I had scrambled eggs for breakfast.
  • She cracked open the egg to reveal a yolk inside.
Context #2 | Noun

biology

In biology, an egg is the female reproductive cell. It is typically a small, non-motile gamete that is fertilized by a sperm cell to form a zygote.

Synonyms

gamete, ovum, zygote.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
egg

As a slang term, it can refer to someone who is foolish or behaves badly. This usage can have a negative connotation.

  • Don't be such an egg, follow the rules
ovum

Specifically used in medical or biological contexts to refer to the female reproductive cell (egg cell).

  • The ovum is released from the ovary during ovulation
  • Fertilization occurs when a sperm cell merges with an ovum
gamete

Used in scientific or biological discussions, referring to the reproductive cells in general, either male (sperm) or female (egg cell).

  • The fusion of male and female gametes results in fertilization
  • Gametes are essential for sexual reproduction
zygote

Used in biological and medical contexts to describe the cell formed by the fusion of male and female gametes. Marks the beginning of embryonic development.

  • A zygote undergoes multiple cellular divisions to form an embryo
  • The development of the zygote is the first step in the creation of a new organism

Examples of usage

  • The egg and sperm combine to create a new organism.
  • The egg cell contains half of the genetic material needed to create life.
Context #3 | Verb

slang

To egg someone or something is to throw eggs at them as a prank or act of vandalism.

Synonyms

bombard, pelt, throw eggs at.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
egg

Typically used as a noun referring to the ovum of birds, especially chickens, that is used for food. As a verb 'egg' can mean encourage someone to do something, usually something foolish or risky

  • She cracked an egg into the pan.
  • They didn't need much to egg him on to the next challenge.
pelt

Generally means to throw objects at someone or something repeatedly and forcefully. It may involve small and numerous objects, often conveying a sense of anger or aggression

  • The protesters began to pelt the police with stones.
  • Hailstones pelted down during the storm.
throw eggs at

Describes the specific act of throwing eggs at someone or something, usually as a form of protest, vandalism, or expressing disapproval. This phrase almost always carries a negative connotation

  • The angry mob decided to throw eggs at the politician's car.
  • Someone threw eggs at the house as a prank.
bombard

Used to describe a situation in which someone is overwhelmed with something, such as questions, information, or attacks. Can also refer to heavy artillery fire in a military context

  • The reporters bombarded the celebrity with questions.
  • The city was bombarded during the war.

Examples of usage

  • The house was egged on Halloween night.
  • They egged the car as a form of retaliation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The use of eggs as food dates back thousands of years, with evidence found in ancient Egyptian and Chinese cultures.
  • In some historical accounts, eggs were used as a symbol of new life and rebirth, especially during spring festivals.

Culinary Arts

  • Eggs are versatile in cooking, used in recipes ranging from cakes to sauces and breakfast dishes.
  • Some cultures celebrate egg-based dishes, such as the French 'Omelette' and Spanish 'Tortilla', showing their global popularity.

Science

  • Eggs are an excellent source of protein and contain essential nutrients, making them a popular food worldwide.
  • The egg white (albumen) and yolk contain different nutrients - the white is mostly protein, while the yolk has fats and vitamins.

Symbolism

  • Eggs are often symbols of fertility and new beginnings in various cultures, with Easter eggs representing resurrection and new life.
  • In some Asian cultures, red eggs are given during celebrations to symbolize good luck and happiness.

Biology

  • Many animals, including reptiles and fish, lay eggs, not just birds, highlighting a diverse reproductive strategy in nature.
  • The hard shell of chicken eggs is made of calcium carbonate, which serves as protection and provides the embryo with minerals.

Origin of 'egg'

The word 'egg' has Old English origins, with similar words in other Germanic languages. The use of eggs as a food source dates back thousands of years, with evidence of egg consumption by ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Romans. In biology, the term 'egg' has been used to describe the female reproductive cell since the 17th century. The act of egging as a prank has been recorded in various cultures and is often associated with mischief or vandalism.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,423, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.