amphimixis

American  

[am-fuh-mik-sis] / ˌæm fəˈmɪk sɪs /

noun

• amphimixes
  plural

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

Derived Forms

• amphimictic
  adjective
• amphimictically
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• amphimixes
  plural

Etymology

Origin of amphimixis

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

amphimixis

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

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 J. Arthur (John Arthur) Thomson

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 J. T. Cunningham

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 J. Arthur (John Arthur) Thomson

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

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