HERMAPHRODITE


Meaning of HERMAPHRODITE in English

I. -dīt, usu -īd.+V noun

( -s )

Etymology: Middle English hermofrodite, from Latin hermaphroditus, from Greek hermaphroditos, from Hermaphroditos, mythological son of Hermes and Aphrodite who became joined in body with the nymph Salmacis

1.

a. : an abnormal individual especially among the higher vertebrates having both male and female reproductive organs — called also androgyne

b. : homosexual

2. : a combination of diverse elements ; specifically : hermaphrodite brig

3. : an animal or plant that is normally equipped with both male and female reproductive organs : bisexual

the hydra … is a true hermaphrodite — Alpheus Hyatt

II. adjective

: hermaphroditic

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.