parthenogenesis
Meanings
noun
- Referring to various aspects of asexual reproduction:
- (An instance of) reproduction by the development of a single gamete (an ovum or ovule) without fertilisation by a gamete of the opposite sex; compare monogenesis, metagenesis, and heterogamy.
- Asexual reproduction in toto; agamogenesis.
- figurative uses of the biological senses
- Virgin birth, in reference to the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ.
Pronunciation
Word forms
Etymology
From partheno- + -genesis, from Ancient Greek παρθένος (parthénos, “virgin”) and γένεσις (génesis, “origin, creation, generation”).
Related words
Derived words
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