polygenesis

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The genesis of a species from more than one ancestor.
  2. The theory that living organisms originate in cells or embryos of different kinds, instead of coming from a single cell; as opposed to monogenesis.
  3. The theory that languages developed independently in different places at different periods, as opposed to originating from a single source.
  4. The emergence from multiple causes or origins.

Pronunciation

/ˌpɒlɪˈd͡ʒɛnəsɪs/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-polygenesis.wav

Word forms

polygenesis polygeneses

Etymology

From poly- + -genesis.

Antonyms

Related words

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