heterogamy

[het-uh-rog-uh-mee]

noun

1. heterogamous state.

heterogamy

/ ˌhɛtəˈrɒɡəmɪ /

noun

1. a type of sexual reproduction in which the gametes differ in both size and form Compare isogamy

2. a condition in which different types of reproduction occur in successive generations of an organism

3. the presence of both male and female flowers in one inflorescence Compare homogamy

heterogamy

1. Alternation of sexual and parthenogenetic generations, as in the life cycles of some aphids.

2. A reproductive system that is characterized by the fusion of gametes (called heterogametes) that are dissimilar in size and structure, such as the egg and sperm of animals.

Other Word Forms

• heterogamous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of heterogamy¹

First recorded in 1870–75; hetero- + -gamy

Example Sentences

For other illustrations refer to chapters on Heterogamy, Number, Irregular Peloria, &c.

From Project Gutenberg

The principal alterations to be mentioned under this head may therefore be conveniently arranged under the following categories:—Union, Independence, Displacement, Prolification, Heterotaxy, and Heterogamy.

From Project Gutenberg

Heterotaxy affecting the inflorescence.—Under the head of Prolification, Heterogamy, &c., various deviations from the normal inflorescence are alluded to.

From Project Gutenberg

See also under Heterogamy, Meiophylly, &c.

From Project Gutenberg

The abhorrence of incest is an interesting and significant phenomenon from our present point of view, because it instructively points out to us the limits to that charm of parity which apparently makes itself felt to some considerable extent in the constitution of the sexual ideal and still more in the actual homogamy which seems to predominate over heterogamy.

From Project Gutenberg