adjective

oviparous

oh-VIP-uh-rus

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Oviparous (adjective) means Describes an animal that reproduces by laying eggs which develop and hatch outside the body. Example: “Birds are oviparous, laying eggs that hatch outside the mother's body.”

adjective

Describes an animal that reproduces by laying eggs which develop and hatch outside the body.

"Birds are oviparous, laying eggs that hatch outside the mother's body."

"Most reptiles and all birds are oviparous."

"The echidna is an unusual oviparous mammal."

How to use oviparous

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishOviparous means an animal lays eggs rather than giving birth to live young.

When to use it

It is a scientific term used mainly in biology and zoology.

Memory tip

Ovi- refers to eggs, so oviparous animals are simply the egg-laying ones.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

viviparous ovoviviparous

Common pairings

oviparous animals oviparous species oviparous reptiles an oviparous mammal

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “oviparous” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Birds are _____, laying eggs that hatch outside the mother's body.

Etymology

An adapted borrowing of the Late Latin word oviparus with the suffix -ous added. Taken apart, it is built from ovi-, relating to eggs, and -parous, relating to bearing or producing.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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egg-laying

Antonyms

viviparous

Rhymes for oviparous

yous nous heinous ominous curious anxious copious unctuous tortuous captious spurious infamous

See all rhymes for oviparous →

Frequently asked questions

What does oviparous mean?

It describes an animal that reproduces by laying eggs, which then develop and hatch outside the body.

What is an example of an oviparous animal?

Birds are oviparous, and the echidna is an unusual oviparous mammal.

What is the opposite of oviparous?

The opposite is viviparous, which describes animals that give birth to live young.

What is the meaning of oviparous?

"oviparous" (adjective) means describes an animal that reproduces by laying eggs which develop and hatch outside the body.