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Webster 1913 Edition


Reproduction

Reˊpro-duc′tion

(-d?k′sh?n)
,
Noun.
[Cf. F.
reproduction
.]
1.
The act or process of reproducing; the state of being reproduced
;
specifically
(Biol.)
,
the process by which plants and animals give rise to offspring.
☞ There are two distinct methods of reproduction; viz.:
asexual reproduction
(agamogenesis) and
sexual reproduction
(gamogenesis). In both cases the new individual is developed from detached portions of the parent organism. In asexual reproduction (gemmation, fission, etc.), the detached portions of the organism develop into new individuals without the intervention of other living matter. In sexual reproduction, the detached portion, which is always a single cell, called the female germ cell, is acted upon by another portion of living matter, the male germ cell, usually from another organism, and in the fusion of the two (impregnation) a new cell is formed, from the development of which arises a new individual.
2.
That which is reproduced.

Webster 1828 Edition


Reproduction

REPRODUC'TION

,
Noun.
The act or process of reproducing that which has been destroyed; as the reproduction of plants or animals from cuttings or slips. The reproduction of several parts of lobsters and crabs is one of the greatest curiosities in natural history.

Definition 2024


reproduction

reproduction

English

Noun

reproduction (countable and uncountable, plural reproductions)

  1. The act of reproducing new individuals biologically.
    • 2013 May-June, Katrina G. Claw, Rapid Evolution in Eggs and Sperm”, in American Scientist, volume 101, number 3:
      Many genes with reproductive roles also have antibacterial and immune functions, which indicate that the threat of microbial attack on the sperm or egg may be a major influence on rapid evolution during reproduction.
  2. The act of making copies.
    Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.
  3. A copy of something, as in a piece of art; a duplicate.
    Jim was proud of the Rembrandt reproduction he owned.

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Translations


French

Noun

reproduction f (plural reproductions)

  1. reproduction

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