metagenesis

[ met-uh-jen-uh-sis ]

noun

, Biology.

1. reproduction characterized by the alternation of a sexual generation and a generation that reproduces asexually; alternation of generations.

metagenesis

/ ˌmɛtədʒɪˈnɛtɪk; ˌmɛtəˈdʒɛnɪsɪs /

noun

1. another name for alternation of generations

Derived Forms

• ˌmetageˈnetically, adverb
• metagenetic, adjective

Other Words From

• met·a·ge·net·ic [met-, uh, -j, uh, -, net, -ik], meta·genic adjective
• meta·ge·neti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of metagenesis¹

First recorded in 1885–90; meta- + genesis

Example Sentences

Metamorphosis, however, graduates so insensibly into metagenesis, that the two processes cannot be distinctly separated.

From Project Gutenberg

Metamorphosis, however, graduates so insensibly, into metagenesis, that the two processes cannot be distinctly separated.

From Project Gutenberg