reproductive system

American  

[ree-pruh-duhk-tiv sis-tuhm] / ri prəˈdʌk tɪv ˌsɪs təm /

noun

reproductive systems plural

1. Biology. the set of organs, tissues, and other structures in an organism that are involved in the process of reproduction.

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reproductive system Scientific  

1. The system of organs involved with animal reproduction, especially sexual reproduction. The structure of animal reproductive systems depends on the type of fertilization (internal or external) and whether the animal lays eggs or bears live offspring. In mammals, the reproductive system consists mainly of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina in females and the testes, sperm ducts, and penis in males.

2. The system of organs involved with the reproduction, especially the sexual reproduction, of plants and other complex multicellular organisms that are not animals. In flowering plants, the reproductive system consists of pistils and stamens. In conifers and most other gymnosperms, the reproductive system consists of male and female cones. The male gametes are produced directly from a cell in the pollen grain of these gymnosperms rather than in a distinct reproductive structure, while the female cones have ovules containing archegonia. In seedless plants (bryophytes and ferns), the reproductive system consists of archegonia and antheridia.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• reproductive systems
  plural

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

reproductive system

But they can’t create a functional opposite-sex reproductive system.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026

Tuft cells are found in several parts of the body, including the airways, gallbladder, and reproductive system, not just the gut.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 28, 2026

These hormonal shifts affect more than just the reproductive system — they influence mood, digestion and potentially injury risk.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 14, 2026

Wouldn’t it be convenient for those struggling in the tightening fingertrap of modern life if embracing the supposedly natural traits downstream of one’s reproductive system was enough to raise wages and make housing affordable?

From Salon ● Jun. 10, 2025

“It’s the reproductive system of a frog. A male frog,” I added.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood