Ovular

Ovular is an adjective with two primary senses. In botanical usage, it relates to an ovule, the structure inside the plant ovary that develops into a seed after fertilization. In this sense, ovular describes parts of the female reproductive unit of seed plants—such as the nucellus, integuments, or the micropyle—though many writers prefer more specific terms. The ovule itself consists of the nucellus enclosed by one or more integuments, with the micropyle acting as an opening for pollen tube entry. Following fertilization, the ovule matures into a seed, and the surrounding ovary can develop into a fruit.

In another sense, ovular can describe an egg-shaped or ovoid form. This broader, non-biological usage refers to objects or structures that resemble an egg in outline. Because "ovular" is less common in everyday language, it is more frequently found in formal, scientific, or historical contexts.

Origin and related terms: the word derives from Latin ovulus ("little egg") from ova. Related terms include ovule, ovary, ovulation, and ovoid. Ovular is distinct from "ovulate" (to release an ovum).