verb
procreate
PROH-kree-ayt/ˈprəʊkrieɪt/
To produce offspring through sexual reproduction.
Many animals procreate only when food and shelter are plentiful.
Etymology
Latin “forth” and “create” express bringing offspring into being. The English verb may be a back-formation from procreation rather than a direct borrowing, but both possibilities share that reproductive image.
In context
when they do come together to procreate they can mate up to 100 times in a single day to ensure that copulation will be successful
More examples
- Some couples choose not to procreate.
- The treatment may affect his ability to procreate.
- These fish procreate by releasing eggs and sperm into the water.
Forms
procreate · procreates · procreated · procreating
procreation noun — The production of offspring through sexual reproduction.
procreative adjective — Relating to the production of offspring.
Similar words
- reproduce
- Broader term that also includes reproduction without sexual activity.
- breed
- Often used for animals, especially when humans direct reproduction.