parthen-

Translingual

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Prefix

parthen-

1. Not requiring a male for reproduction

English

Etymology

From Ancient Greek παρθένος (parthénos, “virgin”).

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) enPR: pär'thĭn, IPA^(key): /ˌpɑːθɪn/
• (US) enPR: pär'thən, IPA^(key): /ˌpɑɹθən/

Prefix

parthen-

1. virgin
2. (botany and biology) absence of fertilisation, asexual reproduction

Usage notes

• The pär syllable is unstressed in tetrasyllables where the stress falls on the antepenult.

Derived terms

• (virgin): parthenogenesis (theology), parthenolatry, parthenology, parthenophobia
• (absence of fertilisation, asexual reproduction): parthenogenesis (biology)

References

• “partheno-, comb. form” listed in the Oxford English Dictionary (draft entry, December 2007)

Anagrams

• Panther, Penarth, panther