Parthenogenesis:
Development of a germ cell without fertilization. This is what happens in the formation of some benign ovarian tumors called dermoids (ovarian teratomas). The term "parthenogenesis" comes from the Greek "parthenos" (virgin) + "genesis" (generation). The Greek goddess Artemis (called Parthenos, the virgin) was associated with nymphs who became pregnant and were transformed into beasts.
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