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monogenesis

[ mon-uh-jen-uh-sis ]
/ ˌmɒn əˈdʒɛn ə sɪs /
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noun
the hypothetical descent of the human race from a single pair of individuals.
Biology. the hypothetical descent of all living things from a single cell.
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Also mo·nog·e·ny [muh-noj-uh-nee] /məˈnɒdʒ ə ni/ .

Origin of monogenesis

First recorded in 1860–65; mono- + -genesis
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use monogenesis in a sentence

  • Polygenesis in his inventions may probably be regarded as testimony in favour of the monogenesis of Man.

    The Evolution of Culture|Augustus Henry Lane-Fox Pitt-Rivers

British Dictionary definitions for monogenesis

monogenesis

monogeny (mɒˈnɒdʒɪnɪ)

/ (ˌmɒnəʊˈdʒɛnɪsɪs) /

noun
the hypothetical descent of all organisms from a single cell or organism
asexual reproduction in animals
the direct development of an ovum into an organism resembling the adult
the hypothetical descent of all human beings from a single pair of ancestors
Compare polygenesis
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
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