viviparity

noun

vi·​vi·​par·​i·​ty ˌvī-və-ˈper-ə-tē 

-ˈpa-rə-,

ˌvi- 

: the quality or state of being viviparous

Examples of viviparity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In fact, viviparity has evolved independently about 150 times in various animal species, including at least 115 times in living reptiles, a number three times higher than in all other vertebrates combined, says Henrique Braz, a herpetologist at the Butantan Institute in São Paulo, Brazil. —Jake Buehler, National Geographic, 8 June 2020

Aside from being a great weapon to have in your arsenal when playing Scrabble, viviparity just means giving birth to live young rather than oviparity (egg-laying). —Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 14 Feb. 2017

Live birth, also known as viviparity, is common throughout the animal world, and not just among mammals. —Jake Buehler, National Geographic, 8 June 2020

Is there some primordial reason for this strict reproductive dichotomy between egg laying (oviparity) and live birth (viviparity)? —Quanta Magazine, 18 May 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

viviparity

noun

vi·​vi·​par·​i·​ty ˌvī-və-ˈpar-ət-ē  ˌviv-ə- 

plural viviparities

: the quality or state of being viviparous