Definition of viviparous

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< vivify

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vi·vip·a·rous    (v-vpr-s, v-) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Zoology Giving birth to living offspring that develop within the mother's body. Most mammals and some other animals are viviparous.
2. Botany
   1. Germinating or producing seeds that germinate before becoming detached from the parent plant, as in the mangrove.
   2. Producing bulbils or new plants rather than seed, as in the tiger lily.

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ETYMOLOGY:
From Latin vviparus : vvus, alive; see g^wei- in Indo-European roots + -parus, -parous

OTHER FORMS:
vivi·pari·ty  (vv-pr-t, vv-) KEY (Noun), vi·vipa·rous·ly(Adverb)