sper·mat·o·cide (sp r-m t -s d , spûrm-t-)n. See spermicide. sper·mat o·cidal (-sdl) adj. |
spermatocide
[spərmat′əsīd, spur′-]
Etymology: Gk, sperma + L, caedere, to kill
a chemical substance that kills spermatozoa by reducing their surface tension, causing the cell wall to break down by a bactericidal effect or by creation of a highly acidic environment. Among many spermatocidal agents used in various contraceptive creams are lactic acid, phenylmercuric acetate, chloramine polyethylene glycol, benzethonium chloride, and certain quinine compounds. Also called spermicide.
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