What does hermaphroditic mean?
Hermaphroditic is an adjective describing an organism that possesses both male and female reproductive organs or functions. In botanical usage, it can describe a flower containing both stamens and pistils, sometimes called a perfect flower. The word comes from the name Hermaphroditus, a figure in Greek mythology associated with Hermes, Aphrodite, and the union of male and female characteristics. Although historically applied to people whose anatomy was considered intermediate or combined, modern medical and social usage generally favors intersex, a broader term that does not imply a particular kind of reproductive anatomy. The word remains useful in zoology and botany, where it identifies reproductive structures more specifically than broader descriptions such as androgynous. Its specialized meaning and potentially outdated human reference make hermaphroditic most appropriate in technical contexts.
adjectiveHaving both male and female reproductive organs or reproductive functions. In botany, the term may also describe flowers containing both stamens and pistils.
- Relating to an organism possessing both male and female reproductive organs or reproductive functions.
- Relating to flowers containing both stamens and pistils, or to plants bearing such flowers.
"The rare plant produces hermaphroditic flowers with both stamens and pistils."
"The specimen was described as a hermaphroditic organism because it possessed functioning reproductive organs of both sexes."
"In botanical descriptions, a hermaphroditic flower bears both stamens and pistils."
Its Greek ancestor was the name of Hermaphroditus, a mythological figure whose story helped give the word its association with the fusion of male and female.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hermaphroditic come from?
The word derives through Latin hermaphrodita from Greek Hermaphroditos, the mythological name associated with Hermes and Aphrodite. The Greek name is linked to a figure said to have been transformed into a being combining male and female characteristics. English developed the related noun hermaphrodite and the noun hermaphroditism alongside the adjective hermaphroditic.
Related word forms
How hermaphroditic is actually used
The term is chiefly formal, scientific, and somewhat archaic when applied to humans; intersex is now generally preferred because not all intersex people have reproductive anatomy associated with both sexes. In botany, the adjective remains descriptive, although perfect flower is often used for a flower containing both stamens and pistils.
Easily confused with hermaphroditic
Hermaphrodite is principally a noun referring to an organism or person, whereas hermaphroditic is an adjective modifying such an organism or a related structure.
Androgynous more often describes an appearance or combination of secondary sex characteristics, while hermaphroditic specifically relates to male and female reproductive anatomy or functions.