preformation
- noun
- /ˌpriːfɔːrˈmeɪʃən/
- Archaic
:
preformación
- During the 18th century, debates over preformation and epigenesis shaped the study of embryology.
Examples
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The theory of preformation was widely accepted before advances in microscopy challenged its assumptions.
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Modern biology has rejected preformation in favor of the concept of epigenesis.
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During the 18th century, debates over preformation and epigenesis shaped the study of embryology.
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The theory of preformation was widely accepted in the 17th century.
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Many scientists have criticized the concept of preformation.
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Modern biology has rejected preformation in favor of the concept of epigenesis.
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The theory of preformation was widely accepted before advances in microscopy challenged its assumptions.
Synonyms
A wrong idea that a tiny fully formed body in an egg or sperm just grows bigger
Compounds
- Archaic
A wrong idea that a tiny fully formed body in an egg or sperm just grows bigger
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Preformation comes from the parts pre- meaning 'before' and form meaning 'shape', so it literally says 'formed before'. It was used for an old biological idea that a living thing starts as a tiny, fully made form inside an egg or seed and then only grows bigger, which is why the name fits the idea.
