heterogenesis

2 definitions found

heterogenesis - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Heterogenesis \Het`er*o*gen"e*sis\, n. [Hetero- + genesis.]
     1. (Biol.) Spontaneous generation, so called.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Biol.) That method of reproduction in which the
        successive generations differ from each other, the parent
        organism producing offspring different in habit and
        structure from itself, the original form, however,
        reappearing after one or more generations; -- opposed to
        homogenesis, or gamogenesis.
        [1913 Webster]

heterogenesis - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  heterogenesis
      n 1: the alternation of two or more different forms in the life
           cycle of a plant or animal [syn: alternation of generations
           , heterogenesis, xenogenesis]