parthenocarpy

noun

par·​the·​no·​car·​py ˈpär-thə-nō-ˌkär-pē How to pronounce parthenocarpy (audio)
: the production of fruits without fertilization
bananas set fruit by parthenocarpy and without pollination
parthenocarpic
ˌpär-thə-nō-ˈkär-pik How to pronounce parthenocarpy (audio)
adjective

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from Greek parthenos virgin + karpos fruit — more at harvest

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of parthenocarpy was in 1906

Rhymes for parthenocarpy

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Browse Nearby Words

parthenocarpic
parthenocarpy
Parthenocissus
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Cite this Entry

“Parthenocarpy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parthenocarpy. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on parthenocarpy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about parthenocarpy

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