ontogenetic

adjective

on·​to·​ge·​net·​ic ˌän-tə-jə-ˈne-tik 

1

: of, relating to, or appearing in the course of ontogeny

2

: based on visible morphological characters

ontogenetically

ˌän-tə-jə-ˈne-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of ontogenetic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The complete causal explanation of paraphilia will require both a phylogenetic (phylismic) and an ontogenetic (life-history) component. —Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 25 July 2014

So to ferret out the truth about the idea that baby snakes are more dangerous, the technical term for what scientists are looking for are ontogenetic changes in venom potency. —Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 19 May 2017

Correlation between ontogenetic dietary shifts and venom variation in Australian brown snakes (Pseudonaja). —Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 19 May 2017

Whether referring to hormone levels or limb proportions, scientists refer to the physiological shifts that occur as an individual grows up as ontogeny or ontogenetic changes. —Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 19 May 2017

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

ontogenetic

adjective

on·​to·​ge·​net·​ic -jə-ˈnet-ik 

: of, relating to, or appearing in the course of ontogeny

ontogenetic variation

ontogenetically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb