amphimixis

[ am-fuh-mik-sis ]

noun

, plural am·phi·mix·es [am-f, uh, -, mik, -seez].

1. Biology. the merging of the nuclei of the sperm and egg cells; sexual reproduction.
2. Psychoanalysis. the combining of anal and genital eroticism in the development of sexuality.

amphimixis

/ ˌæmfɪˈmɪksɪs /

noun

1. true sexual reproduction by the fusion of gametes from two organisms Compare apomixis

Derived Forms

• ˌamphiˈmictic, adjective

Other Words From

• am·phi·mic·tic [am-f, uh, -, mik, -tik], adjective
• amphi·micti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of amphimixis¹

1890–95; amphi- + Greek míxis a mingling, equivalent to mig- (stem of mígnynai to mix) + -sis -sis

Word History and Origins

Origin of amphimixis¹

C19: from amphi- + Greek mixis a blending, from mignunai to mingle

Example Sentences

Regression.—An important result of quantitative work brings into prominence the steady tendency to maintain the type which appears to be one of the most important results of amphimixis.

From Project Gutenberg

Mature ova or spermatozoa will not normally divide if left to themselves, but that is because they are specialised to secure amphimixis, not because their powers are in any way declining or impoverished.

From Project Gutenberg

This is the harmony of counterparts and constitutes the best basis of psychic amphimixis.

From Project Gutenberg

He attributed variation partly to the union of gametes containing various determinants, which he termed amphimixis: this, however, would introduce nothing new.

From Project Gutenberg