ovoviviparous

adjective

ovo·​vi·​vip·​a·​rous ˈō-vō-ˌvī-ˈvi-p(ə-)rəs How to pronounce ovoviviparous (audio)
: producing eggs that develop within the maternal body (as of various fishes or reptiles) and hatch within or immediately after release from the parent
ovoviviparously adverb
ovoviviparousness noun

Examples of ovoviviparous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The animals are ovoviviparous, meaning the eggs containing their embryos hatch within their bodies but later emerge through a live birth after fully developing. Li Cohen, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2024 Like other ovoviviparous species, the Suriname toad can give her eggs some protection by carrying them around—useful in a world full of hungry egg predators. Jake Buehler, National Geographic, 8 June 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ovoviviparous was in 1801

Dictionary Entries Near ovoviviparous

Cite this Entry

“Ovoviviparous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ovoviviparous. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

ovoviviparous

adjective
ovo·​vi·​vip·​a·​rous -ˌvī-ˈvip-(ə-)rəs How to pronounce ovoviviparous (audio)
: producing eggs that develop within the maternal body and hatch within or immediately after extrusion from the parent compare larviparous, oviparous, viviparous
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