Gamont

/ˈɡæmɒnt/ noun

Definition

An organism in its adult or sexual stage of development; a stage in life cycles especially of protozoans and parasites capable of sexual reproduction.

Etymology

From Greek 'gamos' (sexual union/marriage) + '-ont' (being/organism). Protozoology and parasitology term from late 19th century.

Kelly Says

Many parasites like malaria have multiple life stages, and only when they reach the gamont stage in a mosquito's body can they actually reproduce sexually—it's a deadly trick evolution discovered.

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