nonreproductive

adjective

non·re·pro·duc·tive ˌnän-ˌrē-prə-ˈdək-tiv

: not reproducing

nonreproductive sexual activity

especially : not capable of reproducing

nonreproductive worker bees

: not relating to or affecting the reproductive system

nonreproductive organs

nonreproductive effects

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web In that approach, genetic material is altered only in relevant somatic (nonreproductive) cells, so there is no chance of passing those changes on to future offspring. —

Francis S. Collins, Discover Magazine, 29 Dec. 2019 These super monarchs, which are in a nonreproductive state, are also physically larger. —

Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2022 But after many generations of selection, the large clusters evolved a solution: nonreproductive cells which served as points where offspring could break away from the parent cluster. —

Sarah Fecht, Scientific American, 16 Jan. 2012 The nonreproductive female was moved to the Rio Grande Zoo on the recommendation of the species survival plan. —

Matt Campbell, kansascity, 16 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nonreproductive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of nonreproductive was in 1831

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near nonreproductive

nonrepresentative

nonreproductive

nonresidence

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Nonreproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonreproductive. Accessed 5 Feb. 2023.

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