1. 1. The act of conjugating.
   2. The state of being conjugated.
2. Grammar.
   1. The inflection of a particular verb.
   2. A presentation of the complete set of inflected forms of a verb.
   3. A class of verbs having similar inflected forms.
3. Biology.
   1. The temporary union of two bacterial cells during which one cell transfers part or all of its genome to the other.
   2. A process of sexual reproduction in which ciliate protozoans of the same species temporarily couple and exchange genetic material.
   3. A process of sexual reproduction in certain algae and fungi in which temporary or permanent fusion occurs, resulting in the union of the male and female gametes.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.