\Re`pro*duc"tion\ (-d?k"sh?n), n. [Cf. F.
reproduction.]
1. The act or process of reproducing; the state of being
   reproduced; specifically (Biol.), the process by which
   plants and animals give rise to offspring.
Note: There are two distinct methods of reproduction; viz.:
      {asexual reproduction} (agamogenesis) and {sexual
      reproduction} (gamogenesis). In both cases the new
      individual is developed from detached portions of the
      parent organism. In asexual reproduction (gemmation,
      fission, etc.), the detached portions of the organism
      develop into new individuals without the intervention
      of other living matter. In sexual reproduction, the
      detached portion, which is always a single cell, called
      the female germ cell, is acted upon by another portion
      of living matter, the male germ cell, usually from
      another organism, and in the fusion of the two
      (impregnation) a new cell is formed, from the
      development of which arises a new individual.
2. That which is reproduced.