Thelytoky
/ˌθɛlɪˈtoʊki/noun
A form of parthenogenesis in which unfertilized eggs develop into female offspring.
Did you know?Some ants, wasps, bees, and other animals can use thelytoky to produce daughters from unfertilized eggs, although the mechanism varies by species.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*tek-
“To produce, make, or bring forth; the ancient root behind the Greek birth element tokos and several making-related words.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
τίκτω (tiktō)
“I beget, give birth to, or produce.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
τόκος (tokos)
“Childbirth, offspring, or the act of bringing forth.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
θῆλυς (thēlys)
“Female or feminine.”
19th Century
Scientific English
thelytoky
“A zoological compound formed from Greek thēlys, “female,” and tokos, “birth,” describing female-producing parthenogenesis.”
Modern English
English
thelytoky
“Reproduction from unfertilized eggs that results in female offspring.”