Parthenogenesis
/ˌpɑːrθənoʊˈdʒɛnəsɪs/noun
A form of reproduction in which an egg develops without fertilization.
Did you know?Parthenogenesis was coined in the 19th century from Greek roots that also echo Athena’s virgin epithet, so the word feels half-science, half-sacred myth.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
parthenos
“virgin, maiden”
Ancient Greek
Greek
génesis
“origin, birth, creation”
19th Century
English
parthenogenesis
“term coined for reproduction without fertilization”
Modern English
English
parthenogenesis
“development of an embryo from an unfertilized egg”