reproduction /rē′prəduk″shən/ [L, re + producere, to produce] , 1. the sum of the cellular and genetic phenomena by which organisms produce offspring similar to themselves so that the species is perpetuated. In humans the germ cells, spermatozoa in the male and ova in the female, unite during fertilization to form the new individual. Kinds include asexual reproduction, cytogenic reproduction, sexual reproduction. 2. the creation of a similar structure, situation, or phenomenon; duplication; replication. 3. the recalling of a former idea or impression or of something previously learned. −reproductive, adj.
