viviparity

noun

vi·​vi·​par·​i·​ty ˌvī-və-ˈper-ə-tē How to pronounce viviparity (audio)
-ˈpa-rə-,
ˌvi- How to pronounce viviparity (audio)
: the quality or state of being viviparous

Examples of viviparity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In fact, viviparity has evolved independently about 150 times in various animal species, including at least 115 times in living reptiles, a number three times higher than in all other vertebrates combined, says Henrique Braz, a herpetologist at the Butantan Institute in São Paulo, Brazil. Jake Buehler, National Geographic, 8 June 2020 Aside from being a great weapon to have in your arsenal when playing Scrabble, viviparity just means giving birth to live young rather than oviparity (egg-laying). Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 14 Feb. 2017 Live birth, also known as viviparity, is common throughout the animal world, and not just among mammals. Jake Buehler, National Geographic, 8 June 2020 Is there some primordial reason for this strict reproductive dichotomy between egg laying (oviparity) and live birth (viviparity)? Quanta Magazine, 18 May 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'viviparity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of viviparity was in 1864

Dictionary Entries Near viviparity

Cite this Entry

“Viviparity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viviparity. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

viviparity

noun
vi·​vi·​par·​i·​ty ˌvī-və-ˈpar-ət-ē How to pronounce viviparity (audio) ˌviv-ə- How to pronounce viviparity (audio)
plural viviparities
: the quality or state of being viviparous

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