adenotrophic

adjective

ad·​e·​no·​troph·​ic
ˌa-də-nˌō-¦trä-fik,
ə-¦de-nə-,
-¦trō-
: marked by retention of eggs within the mother until the larvae are hatched and nourished by special nutritive organs in the uterus
used of a form of ovoviviparous development in certain dipterous insects

Word History

Etymology

aden- + -trophic

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of adenotrophic was in 1936

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near adenotrophic

Cite this Entry

“Adenotrophic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adenotrophic. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!