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

See Examples For:

asexual reproduction

The results showed that limited dispersal caused by asexual reproduction could explain why early animal ecosystems contained relatively few species.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 10, 2026

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

From BBC ● Feb. 15, 2024

Its biggest lesson now is on the process of parthenogenesis: a type of asexual reproduction in which offspring develop from unfertilized eggs, meaning there is no genetic contribution by a male.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 13, 2024

It's the first time scientists have recorded in an American crocodile successful parthenogenesis, which is asexual reproduction and Greek for "virgin birth."

From Salon ● Jun. 10, 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 Charles A. (Charles Abram) Ellwood