Xenogenesis

ˌzenəˈjenəsəs

Noun

  • The fancied production of an organism altogether and permanently unlike the parent.

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Example Sentences

“That sci-fi movie is built around xenogenesis, where humans start giving birth to alien hybrids.”

“The game’s storyline explores xenogenesis after a mysterious virus alters human DNA.”

“In the novel, xenogenesis becomes a metaphor for cultural change and identity.”

Word Origin

Latin, late 19th century

Why this word?

The “fancied” part of the definition of “xenogenesis” helps explain the usage — it’s most often seen in science fiction contexts. It’s a noun that refers to offspring that are very different from the parent. In fictional situations, an alien race might produce a xenogenesis that sends the society in an entirely new direction. The word comes from New Latin, with “xen-” functioning as a synonym for “hetero-” and “genesis” referring to the origin of something.  

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Learn a new word Areology

ˌerēˈäləjē