viviparous

/vi'vipərəs/

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Word: Viviparous

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: The word "viviparous" describes animals that give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. This means that the young develop inside the mother and are born alive.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "viviparous" when talking about animals, especially in scientific or biological contexts.
• It is not commonly used in everyday conversation but is important in discussions about reproduction in animals.

Example:

• "Humans are viviparous, as babies develop in the womb and are born live."
• "Many mammals, like dogs and cats, are viviparous, while birds and reptiles typically lay eggs."

Advanced Usage:

• In biology, the term can be used to compare different reproductive strategies. For example, you might say, "While most mammals are viviparous, some species of fish and reptiles are also viviparous, showing a range of reproductive adaptations."

Word Variants:

• Viviparity (noun): The condition of being viviparous.
  • Example: "Viviparity allows for a more developed young at birth, as they receive direct nourishment from the mother."

Different Meanings:

• The primary meaning of "viviparous" is related to reproduction. There are no widely accepted alternate meanings outside of biological contexts.

Synonyms:

• Live-bearing
• Live young

Related Terms:

• Oviparous: Refers to animals that lay eggs.
• Ovoviviparous: Refers to animals that produce eggs that hatch inside the body, resulting in live young (e.g., some species of snakes).

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that commonly use "viviparous," as it is a technical term mostly found in scientific literature.

Summary:

"Viviparous" is an adjective used to describe animals that give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. It is primarily used in biological and scientific discussions.

Academic

Adjective

1. producing living young (not eggs)

Synonyms

• live-bearing