asexual reproduction

American  

[ey-sek-shoo-uhl ree-pruh-duhk-shuhn] / ˌeɪˈsɛk ʃu əl ˌri prəˈdʌk ʃən /

noun

Biology.

1. reproduction, as budding, fission, or spore formation, not involving the union of gametes.

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asexual reproduction Scientific  

/ ā-sĕk′sho̅o̅-əl /

1. See under reproduction

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asexual reproduction Cultural  

1. The kind of reproduction in which it is not necessary to have two parents to produce offspring. The reproduction of single-celled organisms through fission, and the production of spores in some plants and plantlike organisms, are examples of asexual reproduction.

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Etymology

Origin of asexual reproduction

First recorded in 18455–60

Compare meaning

How does asexual-reproduction compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• sexual vs. asexual reproduction
• asexual reproduction vs. sexual reproduction

Example Sentences

The researchers also determined that asexual reproduction probably emerged several times within the group.

From Science Daily • Dec. 14, 2025

The pregnancy was thought to be the result of a type of asexual reproduction called parthenogenesis, in which offspring develop from unfertilized eggs, meaning there is no genetic contribution by a male.

From Seattle Times • May 31, 2024

This is a form of asexual reproduction where a female egg is fertilized without the sperm from a male.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2024

For the first time, scientists have induced facultative parthenogenesis, a form of asexual reproduction, in an animal that usually reproduces sexually.

From Salon • Jul. 28, 2023

These simplest forms multiply or reproduce by fission, but such asexual reproduction is almost entirely confined to the unicellular forms of life.

From Sociology and Modern Social Problems by Ellwood, Charles A. (Charles Abram)