metagenesis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowHighly Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “metagenesis” mean?
Alternation of generations in some organisms, especially a reproductive cycle involving alternating sexual and asexual phases.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Alternation of generations in some organisms, especially a reproductive cycle involving alternating sexual and asexual phases.
In a broader scientific context, a profound transformation or regeneration of a system or entity through a sequence of distinct developmental stages.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Purely technical and descriptive in both variants.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American English, confined to specialist literature.
Grammar
How to Use “metagenesis” in a Sentence
The [organism] exhibits metagenesis.Metagenesis in [species] involves...A life cycle characterized by metagenesis.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metagenesis” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The metagenetic cycle was meticulously documented.
- It is a classic metagenetic life history.
American English
- The metagenetic cycle was carefully documented.
- It's a classic metagenetic life history.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in advanced biology, zoology, and marine science texts and papers.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
The primary domain. Precisely describes specific reproductive cycles in organisms like cnidarians (jellyfish) or some parasites.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metagenesis”
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metagenesis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metagenesis”
- Using it as a synonym for 'evolution' or 'mutation'.
- Applying it outside a biological life-cycle context.
- Misspelling as 'metagenisis' or 'metageneses'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in biology, 'metagenesis' is essentially synonymous with 'alternation of generations', specifically referring to cycles alternating between sexual and asexual reproductive phases.
No, it would be incorrect and confusing. The term is strictly biological. For corporate transformation, use terms like 'restructuring', 'pivot', or 'metamorphosis' (though the latter is still metaphorical).
Many cnidarians, such as jellyfish (e.g., the genus Aurelia), have a well-known metagenetic cycle involving a polyp stage and a medusa stage.
No, it is a highly specialized term. Even in biology, 'alternation of generations' is a more widely recognized phrase for the same concept.
Alternation of generations in some organisms, especially a reproductive cycle involving alternating sexual and asexual phases.
Metagenesis is usually highly technical/scientific in register.
Metagenesis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɛtəˈdʒɛnɪsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɛdəˈdʒɛnəsəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'META-GENESIS': a GENESIS (origin/creation) that META-changes (goes beyond/transforms) between sexual and asexual forms.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE AS A CYCLE OF ALTERNATING FORMS; REPRODUCTION AS A TWO-PHASE PROCESS.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'metagenesis' primarily used?