Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having more than one wife at a time: The primary meaning describes a marriage system or practice where a man is simultaneously married to multiple wives.
   • (Biology) Having many pistils or female reproductive organs: In botany, it describes a flower that possesses multiple separate pistils.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Marriage):

  • The anthropologist studied a polygynous society where men could have several wives.
  • Polygynous marriages were legally recognized in some historical cultures.

• Adjective (Botany):

  • The botanist identified the flower as polygynous due to its cluster of distinct pistils.
  • A polygynous plant structure can increase the potential for seed production.

Advanced Usage

• "Polygynous mating system": A term used in zoology and anthropology to describe a social structure where one male mates with multiple females.

  • Lions exhibit a polygynous mating system, with a single male leading a pride of several females.

• "Polygynous family": Refers to a household unit formed through polygynous marriage.

  • The dynamics of a polygynous family can be complex, involving multiple co-wives and their children.

Variants and Related Words

• Polygyny (n): The practice or condition of having more than one wife at the same time.

  • Polygyny is one form of polygamy.

• Polygynist (n): A man who practices or is in a polygynous marriage.

  • The tribal leader was a known polygynist.

Synonyms

• Polygamous (specifically): Practicing polygamy, though this term can be broader (including polyandry).
• Multimarried (archaic/rare): Having multiple spouses.

Antonyms

• Monogamous: Having only one spouse at a time.
• Polyandrous: Having more than one husband at a time (the female counterpart).

Adjective

1. having more than one wife at a time