Captive Breeding
/ˈkæp.tɪv ˈbriː.dɪŋ/noun
The controlled reproduction of animals in human care, often to support conservation or research.
Did you know?Modern captive-breeding programs have helped restore species such as the Arabian oryx, which was once extinct in the wild.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kap-
“To grasp or seize; the ancient root behind the confinement sense of captive.”
Latin
Latin
capere
“To take, seize, or capture.”
Classical Latin
Latin
captivus
“Taken prisoner or held captive.”
13th Century
Old French
captive
“A prisoner or someone held in bondage; borrowed into English.”
Old English
Old English
brēdan
“To produce young or bring forth offspring; the source of breed.”
15th Century
English
breeding
“The production of offspring, especially by animals.”
20th Century
Modern English
captive breeding
“The controlled reproduction of animals in captivity, especially for conservation.”