monogenesis

or mo·nog·e·ny

[ mon-uh-jen-uh-sis or muh-noj-uh-nee ]

/ ˌmɒn əˈdʒɛn ə sɪs or məˈnɒdʒ ə ni /

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.

Nearby words

monogamic, monogamist, monogamous, monogamy, monogenean, monogenesis, monogenetic, monogenic, monogenism, monogenous, monoglot

Origin of monogenesis

First recorded in 1860–65; mono- + -genesis

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for monogenesis

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

Medicine definitions for monogenesis

monogenesis

[ mŏn′ə-jĕn′ĭ-sĭs ]

n.

The theory that all living organisms are descended from a single cell or organism.

The production of similar organisms in successive generations.

Asexual reproduction, as by sporulation or parthenogenesis.

The process of parasitizing a single host, in or on which the entire life cycle of the parasite is passed.

Related forms

mon′o•ge•net′ic (-jə-nĕt′ĭk) adj.