Definition

Noun: 1. A congenital condition in which an organism possesses both male and female reproductive organs or characteristics. This term, often used interchangeably with "hermaphroditism," refers to a biological state where an individual has a combination of male and female anatomical features. It is primarily used in biological and medical contexts.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The biologist studied a case of hermaphrodism in the captured insect specimen.
  • True hermaphrodism, where both ovarian and testicular tissue are present, is very rare in humans.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• Technical Context: In modern scientific and medical discourse, the term "intersex" is often preferred when referring to humans, as it is considered more accurate and respectful. "Hermaphrodism" remains a standard term in zoology and botany for describing certain animal and plant species.
• Historical/Literary Context: The term originates from Hermaphroditus, a figure in Greek mythology who was merged with a nymph, becoming one body possessing traits of both sexes.

Variants and Related Words

• Hermaphrodite (noun): An organism, especially a person, having both male and female sexual characteristics or organs.
  • The flatworm is a simultaneous hermaphrodite, meaning it functions as both male and female at the same time.
• Hermaphroditic (adjective): Of, relating to, or characteristic of a hermaphrodite.
  • The flower has a hermaphroditic structure.
• Intersex (noun/adjective): A general term used for a variety of conditions in which a person is born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn't fit typical definitions of male or female.

Synonyms

• Intersex condition (preferred for humans)
• Androgyny (though this more commonly refers to the combination of masculine and feminine characteristics, not specifically biological sex organs)

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Disorders of Sex Development (DSD): A medical term for congenital conditions in which development of chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex is atypical.
• True hermaphroditism: A specific, rare intersex condition where an individual is born with both ovarian and testicular tissue.

Noun

1. congenital condition in which external genitalia and internal sex organs have both male and female characteristics