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oviposition

American  
[oh-vuh-puh-zish-uhn] / ˌoʊ və pəˈzɪʃ ən /

noun

  1. the act or process of depositing or laying eggs, especially by means of an ovipositor.

    At oviposition, the turtle's eggs pass between the bones of her pelvis into the sandy hole she has dug.


Etymology

Origin of oviposition

First recorded in 1800–10; ovi- ( def. ) + position ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Applications of sprays containing 6 pounds of 50 percent DDT wettable powder per 100 gallons of water just previous to and during the oviposition period have proved effective against this pest.

From Northern Nut Growers Association Report of the Proceedings at the 41st Annual Meeting Pleasant Valley, New York, August 28, 29 and 30, 1950 by Northern Nut Growers Association

Egg-guide: Orthoptera; two small pointed prolongations of the ventral portion of the 8th abdominal segment, between upper and lower valves, used in oviposition.

From Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology by Smith, John. B.

They have believed with Wallace that the greater dangers of the female, with slower flight and often alighting for oviposition, have been in part met by the high development of this special mode of protection.

From Darwin and Modern Science by Seward, A. C. (Albert Charles)

Thus, courtship could occur in June, oviposition in July and August, and hatching from August to September.

From Natural History of the Salamander, Aneides hardii by Johnston, Richard F.

In the act of oviposition, the butterfly keeps her wings spread out, moving the body and abdomen about as the placing of the eggs necessitates.

From Butterflies Worth Knowing by Weed, Clarence M.