parthenogenesis

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun human conception without fertilization by a man
  2. noun process in which an unfertilized egg develops into a new individual; common among insects and some other arthropods

Etymology

From partheno- + -genesis, from Ancient Greek παρθένος (parthénos, “virgin”) and γένεσις (génesis, “origin, creation, generation”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

parthenogeny, virgin birth

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