Definition

1. Noun:

   • An organism with both male and female reproductive organs: A "hermaphrodite" is an individual organism that possesses both male and female reproductive organs or tissues. This is a biological condition found in some plants and animals.
   • A person with both male and female sexual characteristics: Historically and in some contexts, "hermaphrodite" has been used to describe a person born with sex characteristics (such as chromosomes, gonads, or genitals) that do not fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies. This usage is now often considered outdated or imprecise in medical and social contexts, with terms like "intersex" being preferred.

2. Adjective:

   • Having both male and female reproductive organs: Describes an organism, typically a plant or animal, that possesses both types of reproductive organs.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The earthworm is a common example of a hermaphrodite.
  • In many plant species, a single flower can be a hermaphrodite, containing both stamens and a pistil.

• Adjective:

  • Some snail species are hermaphrodite organisms.
  • The biologist studied a hermaphrodite fish.

Advanced Usage

• Historical and Medical Context: The term "hermaphrodite" has a long history in medicine and biology. In contemporary discussions about human sex development, the term intersex is widely used as a more accurate and respectful umbrella term. "Hermaphrodite" is now considered outdated and potentially stigmatizing when referring to people.
  • Older medical texts might describe certain conditions using the term "hermaphrodite."
• Botany and Zoology: The term remains standard and neutral in scientific descriptions of many plants and invertebrate animals.
  • The study focused on the reproductive cycle of hermaphrodite flatworms.

Variants and Related Words

• Hermaphroditic (adjective): Of or relating to a hermaphrodite; having the characteristics of a hermaphrodite.
  • The hermaphroditic nature of the plant ensures self-pollination.
• Hermaphroditism (noun): The condition of being a hermaphrodite.
  • Hermaphroditism is a common reproductive strategy in many gastropods.
• Intersex (noun/adjective): A modern term for a variety of conditions in which a person is born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn't seem to fit the typical definitions of female or male. (This is the preferred term for humans).
  • Intersex rights are an important part of human rights advocacy.

Synonyms

• Androgynous: Having both male and female characteristics. (Note: "Androgynous" more commonly refers to appearance or gender expression, not necessarily biological reproductive anatomy.)
• Monoecious: (In botany) Having both male and female reproductive organs on the same plant. (e.g., in corn).
• Intersex: (For humans) Having innate sex characteristics that vary from typical male or female patterns.

Related Phrases and Terms

• True hermaphrodite: An outdated medical term for an individual with both ovarian and testicular tissue.
• Pseudohermaphrodite: An outdated medical term for an individual with gonads of one sex but external genitalia resembling those of the other sex.

Adjective

1. of animal or plant; having both male female reproductive organs

Noun

1. one having both male and female sexual characteristics and organs; at birth an unambiguous assignment of male or female cannot be made