1. relating to the development of an individual organism from embryo to adult
Usage: biological; scientific

Examples

• The ontogenetic development of the butterfly includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.
• Researchers studied the ontogenetic changes in brain structure from birth to maturity.
• The ontogenetic process varies significantly between different species.
• Scientists compared ontogenetic patterns across various mammalian species.
• The ontogenetic development of language skills occurs rapidly in early childhood.
• Ontogenetic studies help us understand how organisms change throughout their lives.