Definition

Describing an organism that reproduces only once during its lifetime.

Example

Some species of salmon are semelparous, as they spawn only once before they die.

Conversation

Did you know that some animals are semelparous?

Really? What does that mean exactly?

It means they only reproduce once in their lifetime.

That's interesting! I guess it makes their reproduction really special.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Semelparous → It is formed from "semel" (from Latin, meaning once) and "parere" (from Latin, meaning to bear or produce). The word describes organisms that reproduce only once in their lifetime.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'semel' meaning 'once' — this helps you remember that 'semelparous' refers to creatures that bear offspring only one time.

Visually Confused Words