ontogenetic

adjective

on·​to·​ge·​net·​ic ˌän-tə-jə-ˈne-tik How to pronounce ontogenetic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or appearing in the course of ontogeny
2
: based on visible morphological characters
ontogenetically adverb

Examples of ontogenetic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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

Time Traveler
The first known use of ontogenetic was in 1869

Dictionary Entries Near ontogenetic

Cite this Entry

“Ontogenetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ontogenetic. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

ontogenetic

adjective
on·​to·​ge·​net·​ic -jə-ˈnet-ik How to pronounce ontogenetic (audio)
: of, relating to, or appearing in the course of ontogeny
ontogenetic variation
ontogenetically adverb
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