parthenogenesis

noun

par·​the·​no·​gen·​e·​sis ˌpär-thə-nō-ˈje-nə-səs 

: reproduction by development of an unfertilized usually female gamete that occurs especially among lower plants and invertebrate animals

parthenogenetic

ˌpär-thə-nō-jə-ˈne-tik 

adjective

or less commonly parthenogenic

ˌpär-thə-nō-ˈje-nik 

parthenogenetically

ˌpär-thə-nō-jə-ˈne-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of parthenogenesis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The insects’ resilience is equally remarkable, possibly bolstered by a unique trait—parthenogenesis. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025

Researchers are still investigating why parthenogenesis occurs in animals, and how frequently. —Elysee Barakett, NBC News, 2 July 2024

The original story suggested facultative parthenogenesis as a potential explanation. —Byrd Pinkerton, Vox, 12 June 2024

The more likely explanation, scientists said, is an asexual reproductive process called parthenogenesis, in which an egg develops without fertilization. —Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek parthenos + Latin genesis genesis

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

parthenogenesis

noun

par·​the·​no·​gen·​e·​sis ˌpär-thə-nō-ˈje-nə-səs 

: reproduction especially among lower plants and invertebrates in which a germ cell that has not undergone fertilization develops into a new individual

Medical Definition

parthenogenesis

noun

par·​the·​no·​gen·​e·​sis ˌpär-thə-nō-ˈjen-ə-səs 

plural parthenogeneses -ˌsēz 

: reproduction by development of an unfertilized usually female gamete that occurs especially among lower plants and invertebrate animals