ontogeny
noun
on·tog·e·ny
än-ˈtä-jə-nē 
: the development or course of development especially of an individual organism
Examples of ontogeny in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This study suggests that, through careful experimental manipulations during the growth phase of ontogeny, extant birds can potentially be used to gain important insights into previously unexplored aspects of bipedal non-avian theropod locomotion.
—
Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 18 Mar. 2014
This would tend to show that ontogeny follows phylogeny.
—Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 20 Nov. 2014
Whether referring to hormone levels or limb proportions, scientists refer to the physiological shifts that occur as an individual grows up as ontogeny or ontogenetic changes.
—Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 19 May 2017
Having a big nose: structure, ontogeny, and function of the elephant seal proboscis.
—Darren Naish, Scientific American Blog Network, 3 June 2017
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 18 Mar. 2014
This would tend to show that ontogeny follows phylogeny.
—Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 20 Nov. 2014
Whether referring to hormone levels or limb proportions, scientists refer to the physiological shifts that occur as an individual grows up as ontogeny or ontogenetic changes.
—Christie Wilcox, Discover Magazine, 19 May 2017
Having a big nose: structure, ontogeny, and function of the elephant seal proboscis.
—Darren Naish, Scientific American Blog Network, 3 June 2017
Dictionary Entries Near ontogeny
Cite this Entry
“Ontogeny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ontogeny. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
ontogeny
noun
on·tog·e·ny
än-ˈtäj-ə-nē
plural ontogenies
: the development or course of development of an individual organism
called also ontogenesis
compare phylogeny sense 2Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share