cacogenesis

noun

caco·​gen·​e·​sis
ˌkakəˈjenəsə̇s
1
: inability to produce hybrids that are both viable and fertile
2
: racial deterioration especially when due to the retention of inferior breeding stock

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from cac- + genesis

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of cacogenesis was in 1922

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Dictionary Entries Near cacogenesis

Cite this Entry

“Cacogenesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cacogenesis. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

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