parthenogenesis

noun

par·​the·​no·​gen·​e·​sis ˌpär-thə-nō-ˈje-nə-səs How to pronounce parthenogenesis (audio)
: reproduction by development of an unfertilized usually female gamete that occurs especially among lower plants and invertebrate animals
parthenogenetic adjective
or less commonly parthenogenic
parthenogenetically adverb

Examples of parthenogenesis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 City of Portsmouth College Quinlan said some researchers believe that snakes undergo parthenogenesis when females do not have a mate for most of their lives. Elysee Barakett, NBC News, 2 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for parthenogenesis 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek parthenos + Latin genesis genesis

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of parthenogenesis was in 1849

Dictionary Entries Near parthenogenesis

Cite this Entry

“Parthenogenesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parthenogenesis. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

parthenogenesis

noun
par·​the·​no·​gen·​e·​sis ˌpär-thə-nō-ˈje-nə-səs How to pronounce parthenogenesis (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce parthenogenesis (audio)
plural parthenogeneses -ˌsēz How to pronounce parthenogenesis (audio)
: reproduction by development of an unfertilized usually female gamete that occurs especially among lower plants and invertebrate animals

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