amphimixis

noun

am·​phi·​mix·​is ˌam(p)-fi-ˈmik-səs How to pronounce amphimixis (audio)
plural amphimixes ˌam(p)-fi-ˈmik-ˌsēz How to pronounce amphimixis (audio)
: the union of gametes in sexual reproduction

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Amphimixis, from Greek amphi- amphi- + míxis "mixing, mingling," from mig-, base of meígnymi, mígnymi, mignýnai "to mix" + -sis -sis — more at mix entry 1

Note: The term was introduced by August weismann in Amphimixis, oder die Vermischung der Individuen (Jena, 1891), p. 112.

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amphimixis was in 1890

Dictionary Entries Near amphimixis

amphimict

amphimixis

Amphineura

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

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

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Medical Definition

amphimixis

noun
am·​phi·​mix·​is -ˈmik-səs How to pronounce amphimixis (audio)
plural amphimixes -ˌsēz How to pronounce amphimixis (audio)
1
: the union of gametes in sexual reproduction
2
: the combining of pregenital, anal, and urethral eroticism in the development of genital sexuality
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