What does hermaphrodite mean?
Hermaphrodite is a technical word for an animal, plant, or other organism that possesses both male and female reproductive characteristics or organs. Such organisms may produce both eggs and sperm, and the term is especially common in discussions of fish, invertebrates, and plants. The word also has a dated use as a label for a person, a practice that is now generally avoided in favor of “intersex,” which is a broad, respectful term for people whose sex characteristics vary in ways associated with atypical development. The word comes from Greek mythology through Hermaphroditus, a figure whose name combines the names of Hermes and Aphrodite and whose story involves a fusion of male and female identities. Although the modern biological term is still useful, its historical application to people reflects older and often inaccurate medical ideas. In careful contemporary writing, “hermaphrodite” is best reserved for biological organisms rather than people.
An organism, especially an animal or plant, possessing both male and female reproductive characteristics or organs. The term is outdated when used to refer to a person, for whom “intersex” is preferred.
"The hermaphrodite produced eggs and sperm during the experiment."
A technical biological noun; avoid it as a label for a person unless discussing historical usage.
Relating to or characterized by hermaphroditism.
"The species is hermaphrodite and can reproduce as either sex."
Mostly used in biological and scientific writing.
The regular plural adds -s; “hermaphrodites” is the standard plural in biological and historical contexts.
"Several hermaphrodites were found among the reef fish."
Hermaphrodite takes its name from Hermaphroditus, a mythological figure associated with the fusion of male and female identities.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hermaphrodite come from?
The English word derives from Greek ἑρμαφρόδιτος (hermaphroditos), meaning “of Hermaphroditus.” Hermaphroditus was a mythological figure whose name was formed from Hermes and Aphrodite and whose story involved a merging of male and female identities. The term entered English during the early modern period and was later applied in biology to organisms possessing both male and female reproductive characteristics.
Related word forms
How hermaphrodite is actually used
In biology, the term is technical and remains current in some contexts, especially for organisms that reproduce as both sexes. As a label for a person, it is regarded as outdated and potentially offensive because it can imply a misleading, narrowly defined understanding of sex characteristics; use “intersex” or, when appropriate, more specific terminology.
Easily confused with hermaphrodite
A hermaphrodite is an individual organism possessing both male and female reproductive characteristics, whereas hermaphroditism is the condition or phenomenon itself.