noun
hermaphrodite
h-MAF-ruh-dyt
noun
1
An organism, such as certain plants or animals, possessing both male and female reproductive organs.
"Many species of earthworm are hermaphrodites."
adj
1
Having both male and female reproductive organs or characteristics.
"The flower is hermaphrodite, containing both stamens and pistils."
How to Use Hermaphrodite
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHaving both male and female reproductive features; used mainly in biology to describe plants and animals.
Common mistake
When referring to humans with variations in sex characteristics, "intersex" is the modern, preferred term; "hermaphrodite" is now mostly reserved for biology (plants, invertebrates).
Word Forms
hermaphrodites plural
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Etymology
From Hermaphroditus, the mythical child of Hermes and Aphrodite who merged bodies with a water nymph and gained both male and female characteristics.