Word Study
polygamous
WORDNET DICTIONARY
Adjective polygamous has 2 senses
- polygamous(a = adj.all) Array - having more than one mate at a time; used of relationships and individuals; Array Antonym: monogamous
- polygamous(s = adj.all) heteroicous, polyoicous - having several forms of gametoecia on the same plant; Array
Derived form noun polygamy1
CIDE DICTIONARY
polygamous, a. [Gr. living polygamy; poly`s many + marriage. Cf. Bigamy.].
- Of or pertaining to polygamy; characterized by, or involving, polygamy; having a plurality of wives; as, polygamous marriages; -- opposed to
monogamous . [1913 Webster] - Pairing with more than one female. [1913 Webster]"Most deer, cattle, and sheep are polygamous." [1913 Webster]
- Belonging to the Polygamia; bearing both hermaphrodite and unisexual flowers on the same plant. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
polygamous, adj.
1 having more than one wife or husband at the same time.
2 having more than one mate.
3 bearing some flowers with stamens only, some with pistils only, some with both, on the same or different plants.
1 having more than one wife or husband at the same time.
2 having more than one mate.
3 bearing some flowers with stamens only, some with pistils only, some with both, on the same or different plants.
Derivative
polygamic adj. polygamist n. polygamously adv. polygamy n.
Etymology
Gk polugamos (as POLY-(1), -gamos marrying)
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