heterogamy

noun

het·​er·​og·​a·​my ˌhe-tə-ˈrä-gə-mē 

1

: sexual reproduction involving fusion of unlike gametes often differing in size, structure, and physiology

2

: the condition of reproducing by heterogamy

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

heterogamy

noun

het·​er·​og·​a·​my -mē 

plural heterogamies

1

: sexual reproduction involving fusion of unlike gametes often differing in size, structure, and physiology

2

: the condition of reproducing by heterogamy