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oviposit

[oh-vuh-poz-it, oh-vuh-poz-]
verb (used without object)
  1. to deposit or lay eggs, especially by means of an ovipositor.
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Origin of oviposit

1810–20; ovi- + -posit < Latin positus (see posit)
Related formso·vi·po·si·tion [oh-vuh-puh-zish-uh n] /ˌoʊ və pəˈzɪʃ ən/, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for oviposit

Historical Examples

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

    Directions for Collecting and Preserving Insects

    C. V. Riley

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

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

British Dictionary definitions for oviposit

oviposit

verb
  1. (intr) (of insects and fishes) to deposit eggs through an ovipositor
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Derived Formsoviposition (ˌəʊvɪpəˈzɪʃən), noun

Word Origin

C19: ovi- + positus, past participle of Latin pōnere to place
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