metagenesis

American  

[met-uh-jen-uh-sis] / ˌmɛt əˈdʒɛn ə sɪs /

noun

Biology.

1. reproduction characterized by the alternation of a sexual generation and a generation that reproduces asexually; alternation of generations.

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metagenesis British  

/ ˌmɛtədʒɪˈnɛtɪk, ˌmɛtəˈdʒɛnɪsɪs /

noun

1. another name for alternation of generations

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Other Word Forms

• metagenetic adjective
• metagenetically adverb
• metagenic adjective

Etymology

Origin of metagenesis

First recorded in 1885–90; meta- + genesis

Example Sentences

Metamorphosis, however, graduates so insensibly into metagenesis, that the two processes cannot be distinctly separated.

From The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication, Volume II (of 2) by Darwin, Charles

Metamorphosis, however, graduates so insensibly, into metagenesis, that the two processes cannot be distinctly separated.

From The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication — Volume 2 by Darwin, Charles

Hence, metagenesis involves the production of sexual individuals by nonsexual means, either directly or through intervening sexless generations.

From The Gutenberg Webster's Unabridged Dictionary Section M, N, and O by Project Gutenberg