Gynogenesis
/ˌdʒaɪ.nəˈdʒɛn.ə.sɪs/noun
A form of reproduction in which sperm activates an egg but does not contribute genetically to the offspring.
Did you know?The second half comes from Greek -genesis, the same root behind Genesis, generation, and genetic, so the word literally frames reproduction as a kind of becoming or birth.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
gynē + génesis
“woman + origin, birth, or creation”
Modern Scientific Latin
Latin
gynogenesis
“a coined biological term for egg development triggered by sperm without paternal inheritance”
19th Century
English
gynogenesis
“scientific term used in biology and zoology for this reproductive process”
Modern English
English
gynogenesis
“the same biological process, especially in reproductive biology”