parthenogeny

Definitions of parthenogeny

1. noun

   process in which an unfertilized egg develops into a new individual; common among insects and some other arthropods
   synonyms: parthenogenesis

   types:

   androgenesis, androgeny

   male parthenogenesis in which the embryo contains only paternal chromosomes due to the failure of the egg nucleus to participate in fertilization

   gynogenesis

   female parthenogenesis in which the embryo contains only maternal chromosomes due to the failure of the sperm to fuse with the egg nucleus

   type of:

   apomixis

   any of several kinds of reproduction without fertilization
2. noun

   human conception without fertilization by a man
   synonyms: parthenogenesis, virgin birth

   type of:

   agamogenesis, asexual reproduction

   reproduction without the fusion of gametes