spermatismecommon nounSyllable DecompositionspermatismeEtymologyexpandword see spermat- and -ism.Definition1. Hypothesis according to which sperm would have contained the essential parts of the new being, to which the procreative act would have only provided from the female the space and nourishment necessary for its development.expandPluralspermatismesSee alsospermatiste (cn.) monospermie (cn.) monosperme (adj.) monospermique (adj.) spermatique (adj.) sperme (cn.)