oviparous
[oh-vip-er-uh s]
- producing eggs that mature and hatch after being expelled from the body, as birds, most reptiles and fishes, and the monotremes.
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Origin of oviparous
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for oviparous
Historical Examples of oviparous
Oviparous: where reproduction is through eggs laid by the female.
Explanation of Terms Used in EntomologyJohn. B. Smith
All are oviparous, and bury their eggs, which are hatched by the warmth of the sun.
The Western WorldW.H.G. Kingston
Most of the Ophidian Reptiles are oviparous, but many are ovo-viviparous.
Reptiles and BirdsLouis Figuier
Crocodiles are oviparous, and their eggs are provided with resistant shells.
Reptiles and BirdsLouis Figuier
Serpents are also scaly, and, excepting the viper, oviparous.
Lives of Eminent Zoologists, from Aristotle to LinnusWilliam MacGillivray
oviparous
- (of fishes, reptiles, birds, etc) producing eggs that hatch outside the body of the motherCompare ovoviviparous, viviparous (def. 1)
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for oviparous
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
oviparous
[ō-vĭp′ər-əs]
- Producing eggs that hatch outside the body. Amphibians, birds, and most insects, fish, and reptiles are oviparous. Compare ovoviviparous viviparous.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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