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 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

If we could find a way to propagate crop plants by asexual reproduction through seeds -- known as apomixis -- it would revolutionize agriculture.

From Science Daily • Feb. 15, 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

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

Moreover, if the body of the parent has suffered from injury or deterioration, the result of this is bound to be handed on to the next generation if asexual reproduction is the only method.

From The Outline of Science, Vol. 1 (of 4) A Plain Story Simply Told by Thomson, J. Arthur