An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Biology: The male reproductive fluid, containing spermatozoa in suspension. → inseminate, → insemination; → fecundate, → fecundation.

Etymology (EN): M.E., from L. semen “seed;” akin to serere “to sow;” cf. O.C.S. seme, O.H.G. samo; E. sow.

Etymology (PE): From Mid.Pers. šusar “semen; liquid, fluid;” Av. xšudra- “semen; liquid, fluid;” related to Pers. šostan/šuy- “to → wash.”