What does parthenogenic mean?
Parthenogenic means relating to reproduction or development that occurs without fertilization. It is the adjectival form associated with parthenogenesis, a form of asexual reproduction in which an organism develops from an egg that has not been fertilized. The word is especially associated with biological research into reproductive mechanisms in certain insects, worms, and plants. Parthenogenic development can allow populations to increase rapidly because no mates are required for reproduction, although the resulting organisms are generally genetically similar to their parent. In scientific writing, the adjective may modify terms such as reproduction, development, or growth. It is not used to imply that reproduction lacks consequences for populations or evolution; rather, it identifies the specific reproductive process involved. Because the term is technical and relatively uncommon outside biology, a simpler expression such as “without fertilization” is often clearer for general audiences.
adjectiveOf or relating to reproduction in which an organism develops from an unfertilized egg, without sexual fertilization.
- Relating to or involving reproduction or development from an unfertilized egg.
- Describing an organism capable of reproducing without sexual fertilization.
"The researchers studied the parthenogenic development of the wasp population under controlled conditions."
"Researchers discovered that the population increased through parthenogenic reproduction."
"The article explains how parthenogenic development allows certain organisms to reproduce rapidly."
Some insects can produce an entire generation without a single mating.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does parthenogenic come from?
Parthenogenic was formed within the modern scientific vocabulary of biology from Greek parthenos, meaning “maiden” or “virgin,” and gennēsis, meaning “origin” or “production.” The components evoke the production of offspring from an egg without prior fertilization. The related form parthenogenesis names the biological process, while parthenogenetic is another established adjective describing it.
Related word forms
How parthenogenic is actually used
This is chiefly a specialized biological term used in scientific and academic writing. It is uncommon in everyday speech, where reproduction by parthenogenesis may be described more simply as reproduction without mating or fertilization.
Easily confused with parthenogenic
Parthenogenic means involving reproduction without fertilization, whereas pathogenic means capable of causing disease.
Parthenogenesis is the biological process, while parthenogenic is the adjective describing that process or the organisms that undergo it.