parthenogenesis

American  

[par-thuh-noh-jen-uh-sis] / ˌpær θə noʊˈdʒɛn ə sɪs /

noun

Biology.

1. development of an egg without fertilization.

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parthenogenesis British  

/ 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

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parthenogenesis Scientific  

/ 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.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• parthenogenetic
  adjective
• parthenogenetically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of parthenogenesis

First recorded in 1840–50; partheno- + genesis

Explanation

Use the scientific term parthenogenesis to describe an animal's asexual reproduction — in other words, the process of an embryo growing without being fertilized. It's all the rage today, as scientists discover more and more animals that can reproduce from the female without help from the male. Many plants develop through parthenogenesis, as well as invertebrates, fish, reptiles, and insects. The roots of the word itself are Greek, and mean essentially "maiden borne," from parthenos, "virgin," and genesis, "origin."

Example Sentences

Parthenogenesis, literally meaning “virgin origin” in Greek, describes a form of reproduction in which an egg becomes an embryo without the introduction of sperm — and only a select few animals can do it.

From Washington Post • Nov. 5, 2021

Parthenogenesis, the process by which female animals produce embryos that have not been fertilized by sperm, is more common among vertebrate species like fish or lizards.

From New York Times • Oct. 30, 2021

Parthenogenesis is an extremely rare event, but has been recorded in other species before.

From BBC • Oct. 29, 2021

Parthenogenesis has to date only been observed in captive sharks but appears to be triggered by the lack of males.

From Scientific American • Jan. 28, 2015

Parthenogenesis: reproduction by direct growth of germs from egg-cells without fertilization by the male element: as in plant lice, gall wasps, etc.

From Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology by Smith, John. B.