reproduction

[ ree-pruh-duhk-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or process of reproducing.
2. the state of being reproduced.
3. something made by reproducing an original; copy; duplicate:

   a photographic reproduction; a reproduction of a Roman vase.

   Synonyms: facsimile, replica

4. Biology. the natural process among organisms by which new individuals are generated and the species perpetuated.

   Synonyms: propagation, generation

reproduction

/ ˌriːprəˈdʌkʃən /

noun

1. biology any of various processes, either sexual or asexual, by which an animal or plant produces one or more individuals similar to itself
2. 1. an imitation or facsimile of a work of art, esp of a picture made by photoengraving
   2. ( as modifier ) Sometimes shortened torepro

      a reproduction portrait

3. the quality of sound from an audio system

   this amplifier gives excellent reproduction

4. the act or process of reproducing
5. the state of being reproduced
6. a revival of an earlier production, as of a play

reproduction

/ rē′prə-dŭk′shən /

1. The process by which cells and organisms produce other cells and organisms of the same kind.
2. ◆ The reproduction of organisms by the union of male and female reproductive cells (gametes) is called sexual reproduction. Many unicellular and most multicellular organisms reproduce sexually.
3. ◆ Reproduction in which offspring are produced by a single parent, without the union of reproductive cells, is called asexual reproduction. The fission (splitting) of bacterial cells and the cells of multicellular organisms by mitosis is a form of asexual reproduction, as is the budding of yeast cells and the generation of clones by runners in plants. Many plants and fungi are capable of reproducing both sexually and asexually, as are some animals, such as sponges and aphids.

Other Words From

• nonre·pro·duction noun
• self-repro·duction noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of reproduction¹

First recorded in 1650–60; re- + production

Example Sentences

Our value of “R,” or the reproduction number of the virus, which Chancellor Angela Merkel has used frequently in public addresses, is still something we calculate and report on a daily basis.

From MIT Technology Review

For example, sexual reproduction is the most familiar to us and involves a genetic mix and match.

From Nautilus

He says the goal is to keep the virus’s reproduction number, called R, below 1, meaning every person with the virus infects fewer than one other.

From MIT Technology Review

A third new showed direct evidence for the first time that the drug halts the reproduction of the SARS-CoV-2.

From Science News For Students

This is defined by the particular germ’s basic reproduction number.

From Science News For Students

In a dramatic twist on mistletoe reproduction, their seeds explode, literally.

From The Daily Beast

Perhaps every reproduction of a piece of art steals a part of its soul.

From The Daily Beast

In a best-case scenario they cover the mechanics of reproduction, STD awareness, and contraceptive use.

From The Daily Beast

Also, because it involves reproduction, there is a greater hesitancy by the states to get involved.

From The Daily Beast

Schaeffer remembers his father squirming when Pat Robertson talked about burning a reproduction of a nude by Modigliani.

From The Daily Beast

A reproduction of Mrs. Charmington herself decorated the interior of the omnibuses.

From Project Gutenberg

He seemed to pass under the mastery of a great mood that was a composite reproduction of all the moods of his forgotten boyhood.

From Project Gutenberg

The result of this is a very faithful reproduction of the original performance.

From Project Gutenberg

Reproduction, not production, the chief factor in the sex problem.

From Project Gutenberg

The clearest evidences as to the stages in the evolution of sexual reproduction is found in the plant world among the green algæ.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• breeding
• copy
• facsimile
• imitation
• photocopy
• photograph
• picture
• print
• propagation
• recreation
• replica
• replication