parthenogenesis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowAcademic, Scientific, Technical
Quick answer
What does “parthenogenesis” mean?
A form of reproduction where an unfertilized egg develops into a new individual.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A form of reproduction where an unfertilized egg develops into a new individual.
More broadly, any form of reproduction not involving fertilisation; in social/political contexts, sometimes used metaphorically for ideas or systems that seem to arise without external influence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Pronunciation differences are minor, relating primarily to secondary stress and vowel quality.
Connotations
Identical technical and scientific connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in general usage but equally standard in scientific contexts in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “parthenogenesis” in a Sentence
[undergo/undergoes/underwent] parthenogenesis[reproduce/reproduces/reproduced] through parthenogenesis[be/is/are] capable of parthenogenesisVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “parthenogenesis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The aphid population can parthenogenetically reproduce throughout the summer.
- These lizards are known to parthenogenise under specific conditions.
American English
- The population parthenogenetically produced an entire generation.
- Some species have been observed to parthenogenize in captivity.
adverb
British English
- The eggs developed parthenogenetically.
- The species reproduces primarily parthenogenetically.
American English
- The embryo formed parthenogenetically.
- They can multiply parthenogenetically when males are absent.
adjective
British English
- The parthenogenetic offspring were all female.
- They studied the parthenogenetic cycle of the rotifer.
American English
- The researchers confirmed a parthenogenetic event.
- This is a parthenogenetic strain of the fish.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. If used, metaphorical: 'The startup's growth strategy was a kind of corporate parthenogenesis, relying on internal resources alone.'
Academic
Standard in biological sciences. Appears in zoology, botany, and genetics papers. Rarely used metaphorically in humanities.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Would be considered highly specialised vocabulary.
Technical
Primary context. Precise term in biology, entomology, herpetology, and agricultural science (e.g., discussing aphids, Komodo dragons, or certain plants).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “parthenogenesis”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “parthenogenesis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “parthenogenesis”
- Misspelling as 'parthenogensis' (missing 'e'). Incorrectly using it as a synonym for all cloning or vegetative propagation.
- Incorrect pronunciation stress on 'par-THEN-o...' instead of the standard primary stress on '-GEN-'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to parthenogenise') – it is solely a noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Natural parthenogenesis is extremely rare and non-viable in mammals due to genomic imprinting. It has been induced artificially in lab settings but is not a natural reproductive strategy.
Not always exact clones. In many forms (e.g., automixis), genetic recombination can occur, leading to offspring that are genetically similar but not identical to the mother.
It allows a single female to rapidly found a population or reproduce when mates are scarce, but it reduces genetic diversity, which can be a long-term disadvantage.
In a strict biological sense, yes, it's a literal translation. However, 'virgin birth' carries strong theological and cultural connotations, so 'parthenogenesis' is the preferred, neutral scientific term.
A form of reproduction where an unfertilized egg develops into a new individual.
Parthenogenesis is usually academic, scientific, technical in register.
Parthenogenesis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpɑː.θə.nəʊˈdʒen.ə.sɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpɑːr.θə.noʊˈdʒen.ə.sɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(Metaphorical) An intellectual parthenogenesis (meaning ideas generated without external input).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Parthenon' (the virgin Athena's temple) + 'genesis' (origin). 'Virgin origin'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CREATION WITHOUT UNION (e.g., 'The policy was born of a political parthenogenesis, without bipartisan input').
Practice
Quiz
Parthenogenesis is most closely associated with which concept?