heterogamy

[ het-uh-rog-uh-mee ]

noun

1. heterogamous state.

heterogamy

/ ˌhɛtəˈrɒɡəmɪ /

noun

1. a type of sexual reproduction in which the gametes differ in both size and form Compare isogamy
2. a condition in which different types of reproduction occur in successive generations of an organism
3. the presence of both male and female flowers in one inflorescence Compare homogamy

heterogamy

/ hĕt′ə-rŏg′ə-mē /

1. Alternation of sexual and parthenogenetic generations, as in the life cycles of some aphids.
2. A reproductive system that is characterized by the fusion of gametes (called heterogametes ) that are dissimilar in size and structure, such as the egg and sperm of animals.

Derived Forms

• ˌheterˈogamous, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of heterogamy¹

First recorded in 1870–75; hetero- + -gamy

Example Sentences

The principal alterations to be mentioned under this head may therefore be conveniently arranged under the following categories:—Union, Independence, Displacement, Prolification, Heterotaxy, and Heterogamy.

From Project Gutenberg

Heterotaxy affecting the inflorescence.—Under the head of Prolification, Heterogamy, &c., various deviations from the normal inflorescence are alluded to.

From Project Gutenberg

The unusual development of the sexual organs in diclinous flowers has been alluded to under the head of heterogamy, and other cases where the symmetry of the flower is rendered regular, by the development of parts ordinarily suppressed, will be found in the chapters relating to deviations from the usual number of organs.

From Project Gutenberg

For other illustrations refer to chapters on Heterogamy, Number, Irregular Peloria, &c.

From Project Gutenberg

See also under Heterogamy, Meiophylly, &c.

From Project Gutenberg