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parthenogenesis

par·the·no·gen·e·sis [ prthənō jénnəssiss ]


noun 
Definition:
 
reproduction without fertilization: a form of reproduction, especially in plants, insects, and arthropods, in which a female gamete develops into a new individual without fertilization by a male gamete

[Mid-19th century. < Greek parthenos "virgin"]

par·the·no·ge·net·ic [ prthənō jə néttik ] adjective
par·the·no·ge·net·i·cal·ly [ prthənō jə néttikəlee ] adverb
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