parthenogenesis

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

noun Biology.

development of an egg without fertilization.

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. 2018

Examples from the Web for parthenogenesis

Historical Examples of parthenogenesis

I have dealt with the physiology of parthenogenesis in the seventeenth chapter of the Riddle.
The Wonders of Life
Ernst Haeckel
He says parthenogenesis in higher lifeforms is virtually impossible.
Breeder Reaction
Winston Marks
Sex-generation is the mark of a higher organism than parthenogenesis.
A Critical History of Greek Philosophy
W. T. Stace
Of the union of the two sexes, females alone are born; parthenogenesis gives birth at the same time to females and males.
Bramble-bees and Others
J. Henri Fabre
Parthenogenesis is no longer wonderful; in fact, the wonder is that it should not oftener occur.
The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication, Volume II (of 2)
Charles Darwin

British Dictionary definitions for parthenogenesis

parthenogenesis

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

Word Origin and History for parthenogenesis

"reproduction without fertilization," 1849, from Greek parthenos "virgin," of unknown origin, + genesis (see genesis). Related: Parthenogenetic.

parthenogenesis in Medicine

parthenogenesis

[pär′thə-nō-jĕn′ĭ-sĭs]

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.

parthenogenesis in Science

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)