amphimixis

[ am-fuh-mik-sis ]
/ ˌæm fəˈmɪk sɪs /

noun, plural am·phi·mix·es [am-fuh-mik-seez] /ˌæm fəˈmɪk siz/.

Biology. the merging of the nuclei of the sperm and egg cells; sexual reproduction.
Psychoanalysis. the combining of anal and genital eroticism in the development of sexuality.

Origin of amphimixis

1890–95; amphi- + Greek míxis a mingling, equivalent to mig- (stem of mígnynai to mix) + -sis -sis

OTHER WORDS FROM amphimixis

am·phi·mic·tic [am-fuh-mik-tik] /ˌæm fəˈmɪk tɪk/, adjective am·phi·mic·ti·cal·ly, adverb

Words nearby amphimixis

amphigouri, amphikaryon, amphilochus, amphimacer, amphimarus, amphimixis, amphinome, amphinomus, amphion, amphioxus, amphipathic

Example sentences from the Web for amphimixis

  • When a fresh nucleus has been thus formed (by amphimixis) in each of the copulating cells, they again separate.

    The Wonders of Life |Ernst Haeckel

  • Amphimixis, as we have seen, is one of the most potent forces against which the evolution of a new species has to contend.

    Parallel Paths |Thomas William Rolleston

  • Amphimixis: the mingling of the germ plasm of two individuals.

    Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology |John. B. Smith

British Dictionary definitions for amphimixis

amphimixis
/ (ˌæmfɪˈmɪksɪs) /

noun plural -mixes (-ˈmɪksiːz)

true sexual reproduction by the fusion of gametes from two organisms Compare apomixis

Derived forms of amphimixis

amphimictic, adjective

Word Origin for amphimixis

C19: from amphi- + Greek mixis a blending, from mignunai to mingle

Medical definitions for amphimixis

amphimixis
[ ăm′fə-mĭk′sĭs ]

n.

The union of the sperm and egg in sexual reproduction.