ovoviviparous

Advanced (C1/C2)

IPA: /ˌoʊvoʊˈvɪvɪpərəs/

KK: /ˌoʊvoʊˈvaɪvəpərəs/

adjective

Definition

Referring to animals that produce eggs that develop inside the mother's body and hatch either inside or just after being laid.

Example

Some species of sharks are ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young that developed from eggs inside their bodies.

Conversation

Did you know that some animals are ovoviviparous?

Really? I’ve never heard that term before!

Yeah, it means they give birth to live young that develop from eggs inside their body.

That's fascinating! I guess nature has so many interesting ways of reproducing.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

egg-laying

viviparous

reproductive

Antonyms

oviparous

non-reproductive

sterile

Root Explanation

Ovoviviparous is formed from "ovo-" (from Latin "ovum", meaning egg) and "viviparous" (from Latin "viviparus", meaning live-bearing). The term describes organisms that produce eggs that hatch within the body, leading to live birth.

Memory Tip

Think of 'egg' ('ovo-') and 'live-bearing' ('viviparous') to remember that ovoviviparous refers to animals that hatch eggs inside their bodies and give birth to live young.

Visually Confused Words