viviparous

[vahy-vip-er-uhs, vi-]

adjective

1. Zoology.,  bringing forth living young rather than eggs, as most mammals and some reptiles and fishes.

2. Botany.,  producing seeds that germinate on the plant.

viviparous

/ vɪˈvɪpərəs, ˌvɪvɪˈpærɪtɪ /

adjective

1. (of animals) producing offspring that as embryos develop within and derive nourishment from the body of the female parent Compare oviparous ovoviviparous

2. (of plants) producing bulbils or young plants instead of flowers

3. (of seeds) germinating before separating from the parent plant

viviparous

1. Giving birth to living young that develop within the mother's body rather than hatching from eggs. All mammals except the monotremes are viviparous.

2. Compare oviparous ovoviviparous

Other Word Forms

• viviparity noun
• viviparously adverb
• viviparism noun
• viviparousness noun
• nonviviparity noun
• nonviviparous adjective
• nonviviparously adverb
• nonviviparousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of viviparous¹

First recorded in 1640–50, viviparous is from the Latin word vīviparus bringing forth living young. See vivi-, -parous

Word History and Origins

Origin of viviparous¹

C17: from Latin vīviparus, from vīvus alive + parere to bring forth

Example Sentences

"It's a real prime area for the only native lizard that we get in Northern Ireland - the viviparous lizard," he added.

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“Both are viviparous and are common in Maharashtra waters,” Akhilesh said.

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The fossil challenges the notion that these animals did not lay eggs and were fully viviparous, giving birth to live young.

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Mammals and some reptiles, including certain snakes and lizards, are viviparous, which means that they give birth to live young.

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Mammals and some reptiles including certain snakes and lizards are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young.

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