viviparous

American  

[vahy-vip-er-uhs, vi-] / vaɪˈvɪp ər əs, vɪ- /

adjective

1. Zoology. bringing forth living young rather than eggs, as most mammals and some reptiles and fishes.

2. Botany. producing seeds that germinate on the plant.

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viviparous British  

/ vɪˈvɪpərəs, ˌvɪvɪˈpærɪtɪ /

adjective

1. (of animals) producing offspring that as embryos develop within and derive nourishment from the body of the female parent Compare oviparous ovoviviparous

2. (of plants) producing bulbils or young plants instead of flowers

3. (of seeds) germinating before separating from the parent plant

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viviparous Scientific  

/ vī-vĭp′ər-əs /

1. Giving birth to living young that develop within the mother's body rather than hatching from eggs. All mammals except the monotremes are viviparous.

2. Compare oviparous ovoviviparous

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Other Word Forms

• nonviviparity noun
• nonviviparous adjective
• nonviviparously adverb
• nonviviparousness noun
• viviparism noun
• viviparity noun
• viviparously adverb
• viviparousness noun

Etymology

Origin of viviparous

First recorded in 1640–50, viviparous is from the Latin word vīviparus bringing forth living young. See vivi-, -parous

Compare meaning

How does viviparous compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• oviparous vs. viviparous

Example Sentences

“Both are viviparous and are common in Maharashtra waters,” Akhilesh said.

From Fox News

The fossil challenges the notion that these animals did not lay eggs and were fully viviparous, giving birth to live young.

From Reuters

Mammals and some reptiles, including certain snakes and lizards, are viviparous, which means that they give birth to live young.

From Washington Post

Mammals and some reptiles including certain snakes and lizards are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young.

From Reuters

Humans are, after all, a mammalian and viviparous species and I would expect the idea that women do the bulk of the childcare to persist.

From Forbes