noun

hermaphrodite

h-MAF-ruh-dyt

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Hermaphrodite (noun) means an organism, such as certain plants or animals, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. Example: “Many species of earthworm are hermaphrodites.”

noun

An organism, such as certain plants or animals, possessing both male and female reproductive organs.

"Many species of earthworm are hermaphrodites."

adj

Having both male and female reproductive organs or characteristics.

"The flower is hermaphrodite, containing both stamens and pistils."

How to use hermaphrodite

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHaving both male and female reproductive features; used mainly in biology to describe plants and animals.

Common mistake

When referring to humans with variations in sex characteristics, "intersex" is the modern, preferred term; "hermaphrodite" is now mostly reserved for biology (plants, invertebrates).

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: hermaphrodites

Test yourself on “hermaphrodite” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Many species of earthworm are _____.

Etymology

From Hermaphroditus, the mythical child of Hermes and Aphrodite who merged bodies with a water nymph and gained both male and female characteristics.

Synonyms

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epicene hermaphroditic maphrodite morphodite mophrodite androgyne gynandromorph dichogamous cosexual intersex androgynous ambisexual

Related words

perfect female male feminine masculine sissy ambisexual androgyne

Rhymes for hermaphrodite

rite bite lite kite cite mite site twite white write trite smite

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Frequently asked questions

What does “hermaphrodite” mean?

The word “hermaphrodite” means an organism, such as certain plants or animals, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. In plain terms, having both male and female reproductive features; used mainly in biology to describe plants and animals.

How do you pronounce “hermaphrodite”?

“Hermaphrodite” is pronounced h-MAF-ruh-dyt (/hɝˈmæfɹədaɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “hermaphrodite” in a sentence?

Here is “hermaphrodite” used in a sentence: “Many species of earthworm are hermaphrodites.”

What is another word for “hermaphrodite”?

Words with a similar meaning to “hermaphrodite” include maphrodite, morphodite, mophrodite, androgyne, gynandromorph and dichogamous.

What part of speech is “hermaphrodite”?

Depending on how it is used, “hermaphrodite” can be a noun and an adjective.

How many meanings does “hermaphrodite” have?

“Hermaphrodite” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an organism, such as certain plants or animals, possessing both male and female reproductive organs.

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