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palingenesis

American  
[pal-in-jen-uh-sis] / ˌpæl ɪnˈdʒɛn ə sɪs /

noun

  1. rebirth; regeneration.

  2. Biology.

    1. embryonic development that reproduces the ancestral features of the species.

    2. Obsolete. the supposed generation of organisms from others preformed in the germ cells.

  3. baptism in the Christian faith.

  4. the doctrine of transmigration of souls.


palingenesis British  
/ ˌpælɪnˈdʒɛnɪsɪs, ˌpælɪndʒəˈnɛtɪk /

noun

  1. Christianity spiritual rebirth through metempsychosis of Christian baptism

  2. biology another name for recapitulation

"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

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of palingenesis

1615–25; < New Latin < Greek pálin again + génesis genesis

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.

See Examples For:

The plot is a palingenesis of Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment.

From Time Magazine Archive

It is precisely in relation to the palingenesis of Humanity that, to the unseen Will, one day is said to be as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

From Such Is Life by Joseph Furphy

All true philosophers have been attracted by the mystery of palingenesis, and have found that its acceptance has thrown a flood of light on the questions that perplexed them.

From Reincarnation A Study in Human Evolution by Fred Rothwell

They had preserved their character, whereas Gamelin believed in a Revolutionary palingenesis.

From The Gods are Athirst by Emilie Jackson

Mary had heard, and in the palingenesis disclosed she saw space wrapped in a luminous atmosphere, such as she fancied lay behind the sun.

From Mary Magdalen by Edgar Saltus

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