\Met`a*gen"e*sis\, n. [Pref. meta- + genesis.]
1. (Biol.) The change of form which one animal species
   undergoes in a series of successively produced
   individuals, extending from the one developed from the
   ovum to the final perfected individual. Hence, metagenesis
   involves the production of sexual individuals by nonsexual
   means, either directly or through intervening sexless
   generations. Opposed to {monogenesis}. See {Alternate
   generation}, under {Generation}.

2. (Biol.) Alternation of sexual and asexual or gemmiparous
   generations; -- in distinction from heterogamy.