Oviparous

/oʊˈvɪpərəs/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Characterized by the laying of eggs that develop outside the mother's body.

Birds are oviparous creatures, laying eggs that hatch into chicks.

Pertaining to animals that reproduce by laying eggs rather than giving live birth.

Many reptiles are oviparous, with their eggs incubating in the environment.

Describing species that primarily reproduce through egg-laying.

The oviparous nature of frogs means that they lay thousands of eggs in water.

From Latin 'ovum' meaning 'egg' + 'parere' meaning 'to bring forth'.

oviparous animals

Animals that lay eggs as their mode of reproduction.

oviparous species

Species that reproduce by laying eggs.

viviparous

Describing animals that give live birth rather than laying eggs.

ovum

The female reproductive cell or egg.

Used jokingly to describe someone who is overly prolific or creative in producing ideas.

That guy is oviparous with his ideas, they're coming out all the time!

Playfully referring to someone who prefers to hatch out plans rather than dive in immediately.

She’s so oviparous with her projects, always planning before doing.