Noun: parthenogenesis ,paa(r)-thi-now'je-nu-sis
- Process in which an unfertilized egg develops into a new individual; common among insects and some other arthropods
"Parthenogenesis allows some species of aphids to reproduce rapidly without males";
- parthenogeny [rare]
- Human conception without fertilization by a man
"The ancient text claimed cases of parthenogenesis";
- parthenogeny [rare], virgin birth
Type of: agamogenesis, apomixis, asexual reproduction
Encyclopedia: Parthenogenesis