pangenesis

noun

pan·​gen·​e·​sis ˌpan-ˈje-nə-səs How to pronounce pangenesis (audio)
: a disproven hypothetical mechanism of heredity in which the cells throw off particles that collect in the reproductive products or in buds so that the egg or bud contains particles from all parts of the parent
pangenetic adjective

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pangenesis was in 1868

Dictionary Entries Near pangenesis

Cite this Entry

“Pangenesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pangenesis. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

pangenesis

noun
pan·​gen·​e·​sis (ˈ)pan-ˈjen-ə-səs How to pronounce pangenesis (audio)
plural pangeneses -ˌsēz How to pronounce pangenesis (audio)
: a disproven hypothetical mechanism of heredity in which the cells throw off particles that collect in the reproductive products or in buds so that the egg or bud contains particles from all parts of the parent
pangenetic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on pangenesis

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!