reproduction

American  

[ree-pruh-duhk-shuhn] / ˌri prəˈdʌk ʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of reproducing.

2. the state of being reproduced.

3. something made by reproducing an original; copy; duplicate.

   a photographic reproduction; a reproduction of a Roman vase.

   Synonyms:

   facsimile, replica

4. Biology. the natural process among organisms by which new individuals are generated and the species perpetuated.

   Synonyms:

   propagation, generation

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reproduction British  

/ ˌriːprəˈdʌkʃən /

noun

1. biology any of various processes, either sexual or asexual, by which an animal or plant produces one or more individuals similar to itself

2. 1. an imitation or facsimile of a work of art, esp of a picture made by photoengraving

   2. Sometimes shortened to: repro.  ( as modifier )

      a reproduction portrait

3. the quality of sound from an audio system

   this amplifier gives excellent reproduction

4. the act or process of reproducing

5. the state of being reproduced

6. a revival of an earlier production, as of a play

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reproduction Scientific  

/ rē′prə-dŭk′shən /

1. The process by which cells and organisms produce other cells and organisms of the same kind.

2. ◆ The reproduction of organisms by the union of male and female reproductive cells (gametes) is called sexual reproduction. Many unicellular and most multicellular organisms reproduce sexually.

3. ◆ Reproduction in which offspring are produced by a single parent, without the union of reproductive cells, is called asexual reproduction. The fission (splitting) of bacterial cells and the cells of multicellular organisms by mitosis is a form of asexual reproduction, as is the budding of yeast cells and the generation of clones by runners in plants. Many plants and fungi are capable of reproducing both sexually and asexually, as are some animals, such as sponges and aphids.

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Other Word Forms

• nonreproduction noun
• self-reproduction noun

Etymology

Origin of reproduction

First recorded in 1650–60; re- + production

Example Sentences

Answering this will be essential for planning human reproduction in future Moon and Mars settlements and for designing artificial gravity systems that support healthy development.

From Science Daily

By combining physical models with simulations, the work opens new possibilities for studying dinosaur reproduction.

From Science Daily

Because of this precise match, successful reproduction occurs only between members of the same species, preventing hybridization.

From Science Daily

"The occurrence of juvenile specimens raises the question whether active reproduction may be occurring in the region."

From Science Daily

Long term studies help scientists understand how past exploitation continues to influence population structure, competition, and reproduction.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• breeding
• copy
• facsimile
• imitation
• photocopy
• photograph
• picture
• print
• propagation
• recreation
• replica
• replication