xenogenesis

[ zen-uh-jen-uh-sis, zee-nuh- ]

noun

, Biology.

1. heterogenesis ( def 1 ).
2. the supposed generation of offspring completely and permanently different from the parent.

xenogenesis

/ ˌzɛnəʊdʒɪˈnɛtɪk; ˌzɛnəˈdʒɛnɪsɪs /

noun

1. the supposed production of offspring completely unlike either parent
2. another name for abiogenesis alternation of generations

Derived Forms

• xenogenetic, adjective

Other Words From

• xen·o·ge·net·ic [zen-, uh, -j, uh, -, net, -ik, zee-n, uh, -], xeno·genic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of xenogenesis¹

First recorded in 1865–70; xeno- + -genesis