ovoviviparous

[ oh-voh-vahy-vip-er-uhs ]

adjective

, Zoology.

1. producing eggs that are hatched within the body, so that the young are born alive but without placental attachment, as certain reptiles or fishes.

ovoviviparous

/ ˌəʊvəʊvaɪˈvɪpərəs; ˌəʊvəʊˌvaɪvɪˈpærɪtɪ /

adjective

1. (of certain reptiles, fishes, etc) producing eggs that hatch within the body of the mother Compare oviparous viviparous

ovoviviparous

/ ō′vō-vī-vĭp′ər-əs /

1. Producing eggs that hatch within the female's body. Some fish and reptiles are ovoviviparous.
2. Compare oviparous

Derived Forms

• ovoviviparity, noun

Other Words From

• ovo·vi·vipa·rism o·vo·vi·vi·par·i·ty [oh-voh-vahy-v, uh, -, par, -i-tee], ovo·vi·vipa·rous·ness noun
• ovo·vi·vipa·rous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of ovoviviparous¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; ov(i)- + -o- + viviparous

Example Sentences

Baby sharks are hardcore: Several species of shark are ovoviviparous — the mother retains her eggs inside her body, and her pups hatch and develop in her uterus.

From Washington Post

Descending a little lower, we come to the oviparous and ovoviviparous tribes.

From Project Gutenberg

Some of the dinosaurs may have been ovoviviparous, like some modern serpents.

From Project Gutenberg

Coenogonous: oviparous at one season of the year, ovoviviparous at another, as in Aphididae.

From Project Gutenberg