amphimixis

noun

am·​phi·​mix·​is ˌam(p)-fi-ˈmik-səs 

plural amphimixes ˌam(p)-fi-ˈmik-ˌsēz 

: the union of gametes in sexual reproduction

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Amphimixis, from Greek amphi- amphi- + míxis "mixing, mingling," from mig-, base of meígnymi, mígnymi, mignýnai "to mix" + -sis -sis — more at mix entry 1

Note: The term was introduced by August weismann in Amphimixis, oder die Vermischung der Individuen (Jena, 1891), p. 112.

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

amphimixis

noun

am·​phi·​mix·​is -ˈmik-səs 

plural amphimixes -ˌsēz 

1

: the union of gametes in sexual reproduction

2

: the combining of pregenital, anal, and urethral eroticism in the development of genital sexuality