What does apogamously mean?
Apogamously is a formal botanical adverb meaning “by apogamy”: in a manner that produces a new generation without fertilization. In this process, reproductive structures develop without the fusion of male and female gametes, so apogamous reproduction bypasses ordinary sexual reproduction. The term is mainly used in botanical and biological writing, particularly in discussions of ferns, flowering plants, and other plant groups in which development from unfertilized tissue can occur. It is more precise than simply saying “asexually,” because it identifies the specific absence of fertilization rather than every form of nonsexual reproduction. In a sentence, “The specimen reproduced apogamously” indicates that a new generation developed without gamete fusion. The word is uncommon in general prose but useful in scientific and historical discussions of plant reproduction, where distinguishing reproductive mechanisms can be important.
adverbIn an apogamous manner; by reproduction without fertilization.
- By apogamy; through reproduction that occurs without fertilization.
"The fern produced a new generation apogamously, without the fusion of gametes."
"The fern produced a new generation apogamously, without the fusion of gametes."
"In her paper, the botanist noted that the mutant line reproduced apogamously."
Apogamously takes the “no union” route: a plant can produce a new generation without fertilization.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does apogamously come from?
The adverb was formed in English by adding -ly to apogamous. The underlying noun apogamy combines the Greek combining form apo-, meaning “away from” or “separate,” with -gamy, from Greek gamos, meaning “marriage.” The combined term came to denote reproduction without fertilization. Related forms include apogamous and apogametic.
Related word forms
How apogamously is actually used
Chiefly used in formal botanical and biological writing. It is more specific than “asexually,” since it identifies the absence of fertilization rather than every form of nonsexual reproduction.
Easily confused with apogamously
Apogamously describes reproduction without fertilization, whereas autogamously describes reproduction through self-fertilization.