exogamous
/ek'sɔgəməs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
A botanist observes an exogamous flower being pollinated by a bee from a distant meadow.
Definition
- Adjective:
- Relating to marriage outside one's own social group: Pertaining to or characterized by the custom of marrying only outside the limits of a clan, tribe, or other defined social unit.
- Relating to cross-fertilization in biology: Characterized by or suitable for fertilization by gametes (e.g., pollen) from a genetically different or unrelated individual of the same species.
Usage
- The primary use of "exogamous" is in anthropological and sociological contexts to describe marriage rules or practices.
- In biological contexts, it describes reproductive systems that prevent inbreeding, often synonymous with "outbreeding."
Examples
- Anthropological/Sociological Context:
- Many traditional societies have exogamous rules that require individuals to marry outside their village.
- The clan maintained a strictly exogamous system, forbidding marriage between any members who shared a common ancestor.
- Biological Context:
- This plant species is exogamous, relying on wind to carry pollen from other plants for fertilization.
- The exogamous breeding pattern helps maintain genetic diversity within the population.
Advanced Usage
- "Exogamous marriage": A marriage that conforms to the practice of marrying outside a specific social group.
- Anthropologists studied the prevalence of exogamous marriage in the region.
- "Exogamous group": A social group that practices or is defined by exogamy.
- The tribe was divided into several exogamous groups.
Variants and Related Words
- Exogamy (n): The custom or practice of marrying outside a community, clan, or tribe. In biology, the fusion of gametes from unrelated or distantly related individuals.
- The study focused on the social functions of exogamy.
- Exogamic (adj): A less common variant of "exogamous," with the same meaning.
- Endogamous (adj): The antonym, meaning marrying or reproducing within a specific social group or population.
Synonyms
- Out-marrying (anthropological context).
- Outbreeding (biological context).
- Cross-cultural marriage (in specific modern sociological contexts, though not a perfect synonym).
Antonyms
- Endogamous: Characterized by marriage or reproduction within a specific group.
- Inbreeding: Reproduction from the mating of individuals who are closely related genetically.
A botanist observes an exogamous flower being pollinated by a bee from a distant meadow.
Adjective
- pertaining to or characterized by the custom of marrying only outside the limits of a clan or tribe
- characterized by or fit for fertilization by a flower that is not closely related