spermatophagy

Noun

spermatophagy (uncountable)

1. Phagocytosis of sperm cells.
   • Spermiophagy and spermatophagy are produced in the female genital tract and male excretory duct system. In women, phagocytosis of spermatozoa is carried out by follicle cells, […]1992, Acta Cytologica, volume 36, page 251
   • Seminal vesical pigment is thought to derive from cellular byproducts of nonviable sperm ingested by the seminal vesical epithelium (spermatophagy).2011, Alan J. Wein, Campbell-Walsh Urology, page 2534
2. Of certain beetles, the consumption of fruits or seeds.
   • Spermatophagy, a rare habit of feeding on seeds or the outer layers of a fruit, is typified by species in the scolytid genus Poecilips (Coccotrypes).1975, Pest management papers, numbers 2-7, Simon Fraser University, page 37
   • The degree of carnivory/spermatophagy and preferences for food depend on the food choices available to a carabid.2010, Ingrid H. Williams, Biocontrol-Based Integrated Management of Oilseed Rape Pests
3. The idea promulgated by Georges Le Clément de Saint-Marcq that the Eucharist involved the consumption of sperm.
   • It should then come as no surprise that, prior to his revelations on spermatophagy, Le Clément could have been a very prominent figure on both. At the same time, the idea of spermatophagy, wherever it was coming from, was as radical departure from the kind of arguments advanced in those circles...2010, Wouter J. Hanegraaff, Hidden Intercourse: Eros and Sexuality in the History of Western Esotericism
   • Let us pause for a moment and summarize this ritual in less outraged tones: we note the practice of owning their women in total community; agapes or orgies during which transient couples make love indiscriminately (it goes without saying that no sentimental choice is involved in these acts which...2014, Jacques Lacarriere, The Gnostics