viviparous Definition
producing living young instead of eggs, especially referring to animals.
Using viviparous: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "viviparous" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Most mammals are viviparous, including humans.
Example
The shark is a viviparous fish.
Example
The lizard is oviparous, while the snake is viviparous.
viviparous Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for viviparous
- placental
- ovoviviparous
- live-bearing
- mammalian
Antonyms for viviparous
- oviparous
- laying eggs
Phrases with viviparous
a plant that produces seeds that germinate inside the fruit and develop into seedlings before separating from the parent plant
Example
The tomato is a viviparous plant.
a fish that gives birth to live young instead of laying eggs
Example
The guppy is a viviparous fish.
a lizard that gives birth to live young instead of laying eggs
Example
The skink is a viviparous lizard.
Origins of viviparous
from Latin 'vivus' meaning 'alive' and 'parere' meaning 'to bring forth'
Summary: viviparous in Brief
The term 'viviparous' [vəˈvɪpərəs] refers to animals that give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. It is commonly used in biology and zoology to describe mammals, but also applies to other species like sharks and lizards. 'Viviparous' can also refer to plants that produce seeds that germinate inside the fruit and develop into seedlings before separating from the parent plant.