reproductive

American  

[ree-pruh-duhk-tiv] / ˌri prəˈdʌk tɪv /

adjective

1. serving to reproduce.

2. concerned with or pertaining to reproduction.

   a reproductive process; reproductive organs.

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noun

1. Entomology. a sexually mature male or female termite; a member of the reproductive caste.

reproductive British  

/ ˌriːprəˈdʌktɪv /

adjective

1. of, relating to, characteristic of, or taking part in reproduction

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Other Word Forms

• nonreproductive adjective
• nonreproductively adverb
• nonreproductiveness noun
• reproductively adverb
• reproductiveness noun
• unreproductive adjective
• unreproductively adverb
• unreproductiveness noun

Etymology

Origin of reproductive

First recorded in 1745–55; re- + productive

Example Sentences

A statement describes it as a side effect of reproductive tract disease, which she had a history of before arriving at the zoo and is common in aging female elephants.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

“In the past, every time I paid the fees, my heart would clench,” said Li Meng, a 45-year-old patient undergoing assisted reproductive treatment at Peking University People’s Hospital.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 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

The unions said the offer was too low and failed to address many other concerns including reproductive health leave and the use of artificial intelligence.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

This typically occurs when animals are isolated from each other by a physical barrier or another permanent form of isolation, ultimately leading to reproductive incompatibility.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee