metagenesis

[ met-uh-jen-uh-sis ]

/ ˌmɛt əˈdʒɛn ə sɪs /

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noun Biology.

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

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Origin of metagenesis

First recorded in 1885–90; meta- + genesis

OTHER WORDS FROM metagenesis

met·a·ge·net·ic

[met-uh-juh-net-ik], /ˌmɛt ə dʒəˈnɛt ɪk/, met·a·gen·ic, adjectivemet·a·ge·net·i·cal·ly, adverb

Words nearby metagenesis

metaethics, metafemale, metafiction, metagalaxy, metage, metagenesis, metagnathous, metal, metalanguage, metalcrafting, metal detector

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use metagenesis in a sentence

There are some species which, having no hydroid or strobila state, mature without alternation of generation (metagenesis).
The Sea-beach at Ebb-tide|Augusta Foote Arnold
The former would thus nearly coincide with Haeckels progressive, and the latter with his retrogressive metagenesis.
Studies in the Theory of Descent (Volumes 1 and 2)|August Weismann
We are therefore able to distinguish this primary metagenesis from the secondary metagenesis arising from metamorphosis.
Studies in the Theory of Descent (Volumes 1 and 2)|August Weismann
The term Nurse (German Amme), employed for the asexual generations in metagenesis, may advantageously be dropped altogether.
The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume II (of 4)|Francis Maitland Balfour

In Trachylinae also the beginnings of a similar metagenesis can be found.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 14, Slice 2|Various

British Dictionary definitions for metagenesis

metagenesis

/ (ˌmɛtəˈdʒɛnɪsɪs) /

noun

another name for alternation of generations

Derived forms of metagenesis

metagenetic (ˌmɛtədʒɪˈnɛtɪk) or metagenic, adjectivemetagenetically, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012