Zeugung

Zeugung is the German term for conception or begetting, referring to the biological process by which a new organism begins to exist through reproduction. In everyday language it is used to denote the moment fertilization occurs, when a sperm cell unites with an egg cell to form a zygote.

Etymology and scope: The word derives from the verb zeugen, “to beget” or “to give birth,” with Zeugung meaning the act or result of begetting. In biological contexts it usually centers on sexual reproduction and the initial formation of a fertilized egg.

Biological process: In many animals, including humans, conception occurs when a viable sperm fertilizes an ovulated egg, creating a zygote. The zygote then begins to divide and travels toward the uterus, where implantation into the uterine lining typically happens about 6 to 10 days after fertilization. From implantation onward, pregnancy progresses with embryonic and fetal development. The timing and terminology around conception can vary: some medical sources define conception strictly as fertilization, while others regard the establishment of pregnancy, often at implantation, as the defining moment.

Variations and definitions: Fertilization methods differ across species; internal fertilization is common in mammals, while many aquatic species rely on external fertilization. In humans and some jurisdictions, legal or medical definitions of conception may not align perfectly with fertilization, affecting discussions on reproductive rights and abortion.

In summary, Zeugung refers to the initiating event of offspring formation in sexual reproduction, most often associated with fertilization and the start of embryonic development.