c[ae]nogenesis

2 definitions found

c[ae]nogenesis - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Kenogenesis \Ken`o*gen"e*sis\, n. [Gr. ? new + E. genesis.]
     (Biol.)
     Modified evolution, in which nonprimitive characters make
     their appearance in consequence of a secondary adaptation of
     the embryo to the peculiar conditions of its environment; --
     distinguished from palingenesis. [Written also
     cenogenesis and c[ae]nogenesis.]
     [1913 Webster]

  cenogenesis \cen`o*gen"e*sis\ n. [Gr. ? new + E. genesis.]
     (Biol.)
     The introduction during embryonic development of characters
     or structure not present in the earlier evolutionary history
     of the strain or species (as addition of the placenta in
     mammalian evolution); a modified evolution, in which
     nonprimitive characters make their appearance in consequence
     of a secondary adaptation of the embryo to the peculiar
     conditions of its environment; -- distinguished from
     palingenesis. [Also spelled caenogenesis and formerly
     kenogenesis.]
     [WordNet 1.5 + 1913 Webster]