hermaphroditism Definition
- 1the condition of having both male and female reproductive organs or other sexual characteristics, either naturally or as the result of a medical condition or treatment
- 2the coexistence of two different forms of sexuality in one individual
Using hermaphroditism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "hermaphroditism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Some species of fish exhibit hermaphroditism, allowing them to reproduce without a mate.
Example
The medical condition known as intersexuality is a form of hermaphroditism.
Example
Hermaphroditism is not limited to physical characteristics, but can also refer to the coexistence of both masculine and feminine traits in one person.
hermaphroditism Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for hermaphroditism
- intersexuality
- androgyny
- bisexuality
Phrases with hermaphroditism
a rare medical condition in which an individual has both ovarian and testicular tissue
Example
True hermaphroditism is a very rare condition, affecting only a small percentage of intersex individuals.
a medical condition in which an individual has external genitalia that do not match their internal reproductive organs
Example
Pseudohermaphroditism can be caused by hormonal imbalances during fetal development.
a phenomenon in which an organism changes its sex at some point during its life cycle
Example
Sequential hermaphroditism is common in many fish species, such as clownfish and wrasses.
Origins of hermaphroditism
from Greek 'hermaphroditos', the son of Hermes and Aphrodite who was fused with a nymph, resulting in an individual possessing both male and female characteristics
Summary: hermaphroditism in Brief
Hermaphroditism [hur-maf-ruh-dahy-tiz-uhm] refers to the condition of having both male and female reproductive organs or other sexual characteristics, either naturally or as the result of a medical condition or treatment. It can also refer to the coexistence of both masculine and feminine traits in one person. Hermaphroditism is seen in some fish species and is a rare medical condition known as intersexuality in humans. The term includes phrases like 'true hermaphroditism,' 'pseudohermaphroditism,' and 'sequential hermaphroditism.'
