monogenesis

[ mon-uh-jen-uh-sis ]

noun

1. the hypothetical descent of the human race from a single pair of individuals.
2. Biology. the hypothetical descent of all living things from a single cell.

monogenesis

/ ˌmɒnəʊˈdʒɛnɪsɪs; mɒˈnɒdʒɪnɪ /

noun

1. the hypothetical descent of all organisms from a single cell or organism
2. asexual reproduction in animals
3. the direct development of an ovum into an organism resembling the adult
4. the hypothetical descent of all human beings from a single pair of ancestors

Word History and Origins

Origin of monogenesis¹

First recorded in 1860–65; mono- + -genesis

Example Sentences

Polygenesis in his inventions may probably be regarded as testimony in favour of the monogenesis of Man.

From Project Gutenberg