unimpregnated
- adjective
- /ˌʌnɪmˈprɛɡneɪtɪd/
- Specialized
- The hen laid an unimpregnated egg.
Examples
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The scientist examined the unimpregnated eggs under a microscope.
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Farmers often collect unimpregnated eggs for sale.
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Most of the collected ova remained unimpregnated after the procedure.
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Only the unimpregnated embryos were suitable for this type of research.
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The scientist examined the unimpregnated eggs under a microscope.
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Most of the collected ova remained unimpregnated after the procedure.
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Only the unimpregnated embryos were suitable for this type of research.
Synonyms
Not joined with sperm or pollen so it cannot grow into a young living thing
Not pregnant and not carrying a baby
Not carrying a baby inside the body
Not carrying a baby inside the body
Not pregnant and not carrying a baby
Surface Forms
Morphology
unimpregnated = impregnated (transparent) = un + impregnate + ed
The negative prefix 'un-' is attached to the participial adjective 'impregnated' formed from the verb 'impregnate', yielding the straightforward meaning 'not fertilized'.
Etymology
Unimpregnated is made of un- meaning 'not' and the same root as pregnant, which means 'carrying a baby or young'. So unimpregnated means 'not pregnant', and for eggs or animals it means 'not fertilized'.