Milt vs. Roe — What's the Difference?

Milt is the seminal fluid of fish, mollusks, and certain other water-dwelling animals which reproduce by spraying this fluid, which contains the sperm, onto roe (fish eggs). It can also refer to the sperm sacs or testes that contain the semen.

Roe () or hard roe is the fully ripe internal egg masses in the ovaries, or the released external egg masses of fish and certain marine animals, such as shrimp, scallop, sea urchins, and squid. As a seafood, roe is used both as a cooked ingredient in many dishes and as a raw ingredient.

Fish sperm, including the seminal fluid.

The eggs or spawn of a fish, contained within or separated from the ovary, especially when prepared as food. Also called hard roe.

The reproductive glands of male fishes when filled with this fluid.

The milt-containing testes of a fish, especially when prepared as food. Also called soft roe.

To fertilize (fish roe) with milt.

The eggs or gonads of certain marine invertebrates, such as a lobster or a sea urchin.

(countable) The spleen, especially of an animal bred for food.

The eggs of fish.

The semen of a male fish.

The sperm of certain fish.

(transitive) To impregnate (the roe of a fish) with milt.

The ovaries of certain crustaceans.

The spleen.

A mottled appearance of light and shade in wood, especially in mahogany.

The spermatic fluid of fishes.

A roebuck. See Roebuck.

To impregnate (the roe of a fish) with milt.

The ova or spawn of fishes and amphibians, especially when still inclosed in the ovarian membranes. Sometimes applied, loosely, to the sperm and the testes of the male.

Fish sperm or sperm-filled reproductive gland; having a creamy texture

A mottled appearance of light and shade in wood, especially in mahogany.

Seminal fluid produced by male fish

Fish eggs or egg-filled ovary; having a grainy texture

Eggs of female fish

The egg mass or spawn of certain crustaceans such as the lobster

The eggs or egg-laden ovary of a fish