oviposit

verb

ovi·​pos·​it ˈō-və-ˌpä-zət How to pronounce oviposit (audio)
ˌō-və-ˈpä-
oviposited; ovipositing; oviposits

intransitive verb

: to lay eggs
used especially of insects
oviposition noun
ovipositional adjective

Word History

Etymology

probably back-formation from ovipositor

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oviposit was in 1815

Dictionary Entries Near oviposit

Cite this Entry

“Oviposit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oviposit. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

oviposit

intransitive verb
: to lay eggs
used especially of insects
compare larviposit
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