Atokous

/ˈætəkəs/ adjective

Definition

Lacking reproductive organs or being in a non-reproductive body state; describing organisms without active breeding capacity.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-' (without) + 'tokos' (offspring) + '-ous' (suffix forming adjectives). A zoological term specifically describing worm developmental stages.

Kelly Says

Some worms start out 'atokous' (no breeding parts) and then transform into reproductive adults — it's like nature's version of a makeover that lets them finally have babies!

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