Egg: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.