oviposit

verb

ovi·​pos·​it ˈō-və-ˌpä-zət How to pronounce oviposit (audio)
ˌō-və-ˈpä-
oviposited; ovipositing; oviposits

intransitive verb

: to lay eggs
—used especially of insects
oviposition
ˌō-və-pə-ˈzi-shən How to pronounce oviposit (audio)
noun
ovipositional
ˌō-və-pə-ˈzi-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce oviposit (audio)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

probably back-formation from ovipositor

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oviposit was in 1815

Dictionary Entries Near oviposit

oviparous

oviposit

ovipositor

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Oviposit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oviposit. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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Medical Definition

oviposit

intransitive verb
ovi·​pos·​it ˈō-və-ˌpäz-ət, ˌō-və-ˈ How to pronounce oviposit (audio)
: to lay eggs
—used especially of insects compare larviposit
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