polygenesis

[ pol-ee-jen-uh-sis ]

noun

, Biology, Anthropology.

1. origin from more than one ancestral species or line.

polygenesis

/ ˌpɒlɪdʒɪˈnɛtɪk; ˌpɒlɪˈdʒɛnɪsɪs /

noun

1. biology evolution of a polyphyletic organism or group
2. the hypothetical descent of the different races of man from different ultimate ancestors

Derived Forms

• polygenetic, adjective
• ˌpolygeˈnetically, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of polygenesis¹

First recorded in 1860–65; poly- + -genesis

Example Sentences

Polygenesis amounted to a justification for Europeans believing themselves essentially different from the rest of the species.

From The Daily Beast

Polygenesis, pol-i-jen′e-sis, n. origin from many separate germs: the theory that organisms sprang from different cells.

From Project Gutenberg

Polygenesis in his inventions may probably be regarded as testimony in favour of the monogenesis of Man.

From Project Gutenberg