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xenogamy

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌzɛnəˈɡæmi/

KK: /zɛnəˈɡæmi/

noun
Definition

The process of transferring pollen from one flower to another flower on a different plant, which helps in cross-pollination and genetic diversity.


Example

Xenogamy is essential for many plants to produce healthy seeds and fruits.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you heard about xenogamy in plants?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's when pollen from one plant fertilizes another, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It's really interesting how it encourages genetic diversity.
Sloth B
I know! It makes plants stronger and more resilient.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
crosspollination
fertilization
pollination
Antonyms
selfpollination
autogamy
inbreeding
Root Explanation

Xenogamy → It is formed from "xeno-" (from Greek "xenos", meaning foreign or strange) and "gamy" (from Greek "gamos", meaning marriage or union). The word refers to the process of fertilization that occurs between different species or varieties, highlighting the idea of a 'foreign' union.

Memory Tip

Think of 'foreign' ('xeno-') unions or marriages ('gamy') — that's what xenogamy means, a union between different species.

Visually Confused Words
endogamy
neogamy
exogamy
axogamy
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