monogenesis

or mo·nog·e·ny

[ mon-uh-jen-uh-sis or muh-noj-uh-nee ]
/ ˌmɒn əˈdʒɛn ə sɪs or məˈnɒdʒ ə ni /

noun

the hypothetical descent of the human race from a single pair of individuals.
Biology. the hypothetical descent of all living things from a single cell.

Origin of monogenesis

First recorded in 1860–65; mono- + -genesis

Example sentences from the Web for monogenesis

  • Polygenesis in his inventions may probably be regarded as testimony in favour of the monogenesis of Man.

    The Evolution of Culture |Augustus Henry Lane-Fox Pitt-Rivers

British Dictionary definitions for monogenesis

monogenesis

monogeny (mɒˈnɒdʒɪnɪ)

/ (ˌmɒnəʊˈdʒɛnɪsɪs) /

noun

the hypothetical descent of all organisms from a single cell or organism
asexual reproduction in animals
the direct development of an ovum into an organism resembling the adult
the hypothetical descent of all human beings from a single pair of ancestors
Compare polygenesis

Medical definitions for monogenesis

monogenesis
[ mŏn′ə-jĕnĭ-sĭs ]

n.

The theory that all living organisms are descended from a single cell or organism.
The production of similar organisms in successive generations.
Asexual reproduction, as by sporulation or parthenogenesis.
The process of parasitizing a single host, in or on which the entire life cycle of the parasite is passed.

Other words from monogenesis

mon′o•ge•netic (-jə-nĕtĭk) adj.