conjugation
con.ju.ga.tion \.ka:n-j*-'ga--sh*n\ \-shn*l, -sh*n-*l\ \-e-\
\'ka:n-j*-.ga-t-iv\ n 1: the act of conjugating : the state of being
conjugated 2a: a schematic arrangement of the inflectional forms of a verb
2b: verb inflection 2c: a class of verbs having the same type of
inflectional forms {the weak ~} 3a: fusion of usu. similar gametes with
ultimate union of their nuclei that among lower thallophytes replaces the
typical fertilization of higher forms 3b: temporary cytoplasmic union with
exchange of nuclear material that is t he usual sexual process in ciliated
protozoans - con.ju.ga.tion.al aj