What does "reproductive" mean?

1. (biological process) relating to the process of producing babies or young animals. 2. (capable of reproducing) able to produce offspring or new versions of something. 3. (an organism) a member of a group of insects, like ants or bees, that can have babies.

How do you use "reproductive"?

Often used as an attributive adjective before nouns like 'system', 'organs', or 'health'.

reproductive

adj. · n.

US //ˌɹipɹəˈdəktɪv// UK //ɹɪpɹədˈʌktɪv// re·pro·duc·tive

1 biological process (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

relating to the process of producing babies or young animals.

relating to the biological process of procreation or the organs involved in producing offspring.

Example

The doctor explained how the human reproductive system works during the biology lesson.

Example

The research paper examines the impact of environmental pollutants on the reproductive health of local fish populations.

Usage

Often used as an attributive adjective before nouns like 'system', 'organs', or 'health'.
- procreative
- genital
2 capable of reproducing (adj.)
C1 Advanced Academic Science

able to produce offspring or new versions of something.

capable of reproduction or tending to reproduce.

Example

The plant reaches its reproductive stage after two years of growth.

Example

The study tracked the reproductive success of various migratory birds across different nesting habitats.
- fertile
- prolific
- sterile
- barren

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3 an organism (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Science

a member of a group of insects, like ants or bees, that can have babies.

an individual organism, particularly within a social insect colony, that is capable of reproduction.

Example

In a termite colony, the reproductives are the only ones with wings.

Example

The colony produces winged reproductives that leave the nest to establish new populations elsewhere during the swarming season.
- breeder
- worker

Origin

From re- + productive.