partheno-

1. a combining form meaning “without fertilization,” used in the formation of compound words.

   parthenogenesis.

Word History and Origins

Origin of partheno-¹

< Greek, combining form representing parthénos maiden

Example Sentences

What natural law is violated in "Partheno Genesis?"

Read more on Project Gutenberg

Who can account for "Partheno Genesis," or generation without any known sexual organs, which obtains in the animal kingdom.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

When To Use

What does partheno- mean?

Partheno- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “without fertilization.” In biology, fertilization specifically refers to sexual fusion of gametes. It is used in some biological terms, especially in botany.Partheno- comes from the Greek parthénos, meaning “maiden” or “virgin.” The rare adjective parthenic, meaning “virginal” or “pure,” also derives from this root. The Parthenon is the magnificent temple of Athena Parthenos—Athena the Virgin, with Parthenos an epithet of the important goddess—on the Acropolis at Athens, Greece.