oviparous

adjective

ovip·​a·​rous ō-ˈvi-p(ə-)rəs How to pronounce oviparous (audio)
: producing eggs that develop and hatch outside the maternal body
also : involving the production of such eggs

Examples of oviparous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web All birds are oviparous, but some reptiles are viviparous, or give birth to live young. USA TODAY, 30 May 2023 Birds and the various crocodilians (crocodiles, alligators, caimans, etc.) are the only archosaurs still wandering about, and all are oviparous. Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 14 Feb. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'oviparous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin oviparus, from ov- + -parus -parous

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oviparous was in 1646

Dictionary Entries Near oviparous

Cite this Entry

“Oviparous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oviparous. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

oviparous

adjective
ovip·​a·​rous ō-ˈvip-(ə-)rəs How to pronounce oviparous (audio)
: producing eggs that develop and hatch outside the body of the female

Medical Definition

oviparous

adjective
ovip·​a·​rous ō-ˈvip-(ə-)rəs How to pronounce oviparous (audio)
: producing eggs that develop and hatch outside the maternal body
also : involving the production of such eggs compare larviparous, ovoviviparous, viviparous
oviparousness noun
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