parthenogenesis

[ par-thuh-noh-jen-uh-sis ]

noun

, Biology.

1. development of an egg without fertilization.

parthenogenesis

/ ˌpɑːθɪˌnəʊdʒɪˈnɛtɪk; ˌpɑːθɪnəʊˈdʒɛnɪsɪs /

noun

1. a type of reproduction, occurring in some insects and flowers, in which the unfertilized ovum develops directly into a new individual
2. human conception without fertilization by a male; virgin birth

parthenogenesis

/ pär′thə-nō-jĕn′ĭ-sĭs /

1. Reproduction in which an egg develops into a new individual without being fertilized. Aphids and certain other insects can reproduce by parthenogenesis. Parthenogenesis does not necessarily produce clones of the parent. Among hymenopterans such as honeybees and ants, the haploid males develop from unfertilized eggs laid by the queen, who is diploid. Parthenogenesis is a form of apomixis.

Derived Forms

• parthenogenetic, adjective
• ˌpartheˌnogeˈnetically, adverb

Other Words From

• par·the·no·ge·net·ic [pahr-th, uh, -noh-j, uh, -, net, -ik], adjective
• parthe·no·ge·neti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of parthenogenesis¹

First recorded in 1840–50; partheno- + genesis

Word History and Origins

Origin of parthenogenesis¹

C19: from Greek parthenos virgin + genesis birth

Example Sentences

The pregnancy was thought to be the result of a type of asexual reproduction called parthenogenesis, in which offspring develop from unfertilized eggs, meaning there is no genetic contribution by a male.

From Seattle Times

The pregnancy is likely due to a phenomenon called parthenogenesis.

From BBC

Its biggest lesson now is on the process of parthenogenesis: a type of asexual reproduction in which offspring develop from unfertilized eggs, meaning there is no genetic contribution by a male.

From Seattle Times

But some have an alternative called parthenogenesis: no males needed.

From New York Times

But those offspring were made by tinkering with egg cells in laboratory dishes rather than by giving female animals the capacity for virgin birth, also known as parthenogenesis.

From Scientific American