amphimixis

American  

[am-fuh-mik-sis] / ˌæm fəˈmɪk sɪs /

noun

plural

amphimixes

1. Biology. the merging of the nuclei of the sperm and egg cells; sexual reproduction.

2. Psychoanalysis. the combining of anal and genital eroticism in the development of sexuality.

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amphimixis British  

/ ˌæmfɪˈmɪksɪs /

noun

1. true sexual reproduction by the fusion of gametes from two organisms Compare apomixis

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Other Word Forms

• amphimictic adjective
• amphimictically adverb

Etymology

Origin of amphimixis

1890–95; amphi- + Greek míxis a mingling, equivalent to mig- (stem of mígnynai to mix) + -sis -sis

Example Sentences

Regression.—An important result of quantitative work brings into prominence the steady tendency to maintain the type which appears to be one of the most important results of amphimixis.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 3 "Helmont, Jean" to "Hernosand" by Various

This is the harmony of counterparts and constitutes the best basis of psychic amphimixis.

From Youth: Its Education, Regimen, and Hygiene by Hall, G. Stanley

We believe the answer to be that sexual reproduction is an adaptive process securing the benefits of amphimixis, for in amphimixis and in the changes preparatory to it, there is an important source of variation.

From Herbert Spencer by Thomson, J. Arthur (John Arthur)

He attributed variation partly to the union of gametes containing various determinants, which he termed amphimixis: this, however, would introduce nothing new.

From Hormones and Heredity by Cunningham, J. T.

Mature ova or spermatozoa will not normally divide if left to themselves, but that is because they are specialised to secure amphimixis, not because their powers are in any way declining or impoverished.

From Herbert Spencer by Thomson, J. Arthur (John Arthur)