# reproductive

/ˌɹipɹəˈdəktɪv/ (US) · /ɹɪpɹədˈʌktɪv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reproductive
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. biological process

adjective · CEFR B2 · Technical

relating to the process of producing babies or young animals.

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

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

### 2. capable of reproducing

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

able to produce offspring or new versions of something.

For teachers: capable of reproduction or tending to reproduce.

- The plant reaches its reproductive stage after two years of growth.
- The study tracked the reproductive success of various migratory birds across different nesting habitats.

### 3. an organism

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

- In a termite colony, the reproductives are the only ones with wings.
- The colony produces winged reproductives that leave the nest to establish new populations elsewhere during the swarming season.

## Examples

- The doctor discussed the patient's reproductive health during the checkup.
- Biologists study the reproductive cycles of migratory birds to understand how climate change affects their population growth.
- The debate over reproductive rights often centers on the tension between individual bodily autonomy and the state's interest in regulating medical procedures.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.