holoblastic

adjective

ho·​lo·​blas·​tic ˌhō-lə-ˈbla-stik How to pronounce holoblastic (audio) ˌhä- How to pronounce holoblastic (audio)
: characterized by complete cleavage that divides the whole egg into distinct and separate blastomeres compare meroblastic

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of holoblastic was in 1872

Rhymes for holoblastic

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Browse Nearby Words

holobenthic
holoblastic
holobranch
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Cite this Entry

“Holoblastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holoblastic. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

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Medical Definition

holoblastic

adjective
ho·​lo·​blas·​tic ˌhō-lə-ˈblas-tik How to pronounce holoblastic (audio) ˌhäl-ə- How to pronounce holoblastic (audio)
: characterized by cleavage planes that divide the whole egg into distinct and separate though coherent blastomeres
holoblastic eggs
holoblastic cleavage
compare meroblastic
holoblastically
-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce holoblastic (audio)
adverb
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