parthenogenesis

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

noun

, Biology.

1. development of an egg without fertilization.

parthenogenesis

/ ˌpɑːθɪˌnəʊdʒɪˈnɛtɪk; ˌpɑːθɪnəʊˈdʒɛnɪsɪs /

noun

1. a type of reproduction, occurring in some insects and flowers, in which the unfertilized ovum develops directly into a new individual
2. human conception without fertilization by a male; virgin birth

parthenogenesis

/ pär′thə-nō-jĕn′ĭ-sĭs /

1. 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.

Derived Forms

• parthenogenetic, adjective
• ˌpartheˌnogeˈnetically, adverb

Other Words From

• par·the·no·ge·net·ic [pahr-th, uh, -noh-j, uh, -, net, -ik], adjective
• parthe·no·ge·neti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of parthenogenesis¹

First recorded in 1840–50; partheno- + genesis

Word History and Origins

Origin of parthenogenesis¹

C19: from Greek parthenos virgin + genesis birth

Example Sentences

Normal parthenogenesis belong equally to summary and to complicated animals, to wheel-animals and to bees.

From Project Gutenberg

This provoked parthenogenesis is neither more nor less interesting than the normal.

From Project Gutenberg

Human parthenogenesis is less absurd: it offers an order, and promiscuity is a disorder.

From Project Gutenberg

The same tendency reaches its logical conclusion in the parthenogenesis of insects.

From Project Gutenberg

In 1849 Professor Owen, in his treatise on "Parthenogenesis," put forward another conception.

From Project Gutenberg