allopatric

adjective

al·​lo·​pat·​ric ˌa-lə-ˈpa-trik How to pronounce allopatric (audio)
: occurring in different geographic areas or in isolation
allopatric speciation
compare sympatric
allopatrically adverb
allopatry noun

Examples of allopatric 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.
Among the types of speciation that do, the most important is called allopatric. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 10 May 2023 Wright also alludes to concepts such as allopatric speciation and postzygotic reproductive isolation which have spawned an enormous literature, and are the stuff of careers.. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 23 Aug. 2010

Word History

Etymology

allo- + -patric (in sympatric)

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of allopatric was in 1942

Dictionary Entries Near allopatric

Cite this Entry

“Allopatric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allopatric. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!