oviposit

[ oh-vuh-poz-it, oh-vuh-poz- ]

verb (used without object)

1. to deposit or lay eggs, especially by means of an ovipositor.

Other Words From

• o·vi·po·si·tion [oh-v, uh, -p, uh, -, zish, -, uh, n], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of oviposit¹

First recorded in 1810–20; ovi- + -posit, from Latin positus ( posit )

Example Sentences

The species which oviposit on larger plants or trees are inclosed in a gauze bag tied over the branch.

From Project Gutenberg

The female soon begins to oviposit—the eggs, as fast as they are dropped, being carried away into the nurseries by the workers.

From Project Gutenberg

The beetles appear outside in April and May, and probably oviposit soon afterward.

From Project Gutenberg

The wasp tried to oviposit into the egg case but was upset and pursued by the cockroach.

From Project Gutenberg

But a considerable number oviposit in larv which lie concealed where so short an instrument could not possibly approach them.

From Project Gutenberg