parthenogenesis

[ par-thuh-noh-jen-uh-sis ]

/ ˌpær θə noʊˈdʒɛn ə sɪs /

noun Biology.

development of an egg without fertilization.

Nearby words

partera, parterre, parthenia, partheno-, parthenocarpy, parthenogenesis, parthenogenone, parthenon, parthenopaeus, parthenope, parthenos

Origin of parthenogenesis

First recorded in 1840–50; partheno- + genesis

Related formspar·the·no·ge·net·ic

[pahr-thuh-noh-juh-net-ik] /ˌpɑr θə noʊ dʒəˈnɛt ɪk/, adjectivepar·the·no·ge·net·i·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for parthenogenesis

The same tendency reaches its logical conclusion in the parthenogenesis of insects.
The New Stone Age in Northern Europe|John M. Tyler
Ferris and Kolliker derive them from parthenogenesis, a mode of genesis of which our world offers no example whatever.
Fables of Infidelity and Facts of Faith|Robert Patterson
In 1849 Professor Owen, in his treatise on "Parthenogenesis," put forward another conception.
On the Genesis of Species|St. George Mivart
The only one of these possible modes of reproduction not known to occur in Hydromedusae is parthenogenesis.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 14, Slice 2|Various

It has been shown that in the artificial summer of a green-house, parthenogenesis may continue for four years.
Herbert Spencer|J. Arthur Thomson

British Dictionary definitions for parthenogenesis

parthenogenesis

/ (ˌpɑːθɪnəʊˈdʒɛnɪsɪs) /

noun

a type of reproduction, occurring in some insects and flowers, in which the unfertilized ovum develops directly into a new individual

human conception without fertilization by a male; virgin birth

Derived Formsparthenogenetic (ˌpɑːθɪˌnəʊdʒɪˈnɛtɪk), adjectiveparthenogenetically, adverb

Word Origin for parthenogenesis

C19: from Greek parthenos virgin + genesis birth

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

Medicine definitions for parthenogenesis

parthenogenesis

[ pär′thə-nō-jĕn′ĭ-sĭs ]

n.

A form of reproduction in which an unfertilized egg develops into a new individual, occurring commonly among insects and certain other arthropods.

Related formspar′the•no•ge•net′ic (-jə-nĕt′ĭk) adj.

Science definitions for parthenogenesis

parthenogenesis

[ pär′thə-nō-jĕn′ĭ-sĭs ]

Reproduction in which an egg develops into a new individual without being fertilized. Aphids and certain other insects can reproduce by parthenogenesis. Parthenogenesis does not necessarily produce clones of the parent. Among hymenopterans such as honeybees and ants, the haploid males develop from unfertilized eggs laid by the queen, who is diploid. Parthenogenesis is a form of apomixis.

Related formsparthenogenetic adjective (pär′thə-nō-jə-nĕt′ĭk)