What does hermaphroditism mean?
Hermaphroditism is the condition of possessing both male and female reproductive organs or characteristics, most commonly discussed in zoology and botany. In animals, it may involve functioning or nonfunctioning tissues associated with both sexes, while in plants it describes flowers that contain both stamens and carpels. The word is formal and has a strongly scientific register. In modern human medicine, “intersex” and “differences of sex development” are usually preferred because they describe a broad range of anatomical, genetic, gonadal, and hormonal variations without implying that every condition involves the same features. The word has also been shaped by mythology: it derives from Hermaphroditus, a child of Hermes and Aphrodite whose body was traditionally said to combine male and female attributes. As a result, hermaphroditism is a useful term for precise zoological and botanical discussion, though less suitable as a general label for human variation.
nounThe condition of possessing both male and female reproductive organs or reproductive characteristics. In contemporary human medicine, the term is often avoided in favor of intersex or differences of sex development.
- The condition of an organism, especially an animal, possessing both male and female reproductive organs or characteristics.
- In botany, the condition of a flower or plant bearing both male and female reproductive structures.
"The study examined cases of hermaphroditism in several species of marine fish."
"The paper documented hermaphroditism in fish populations living around coral reefs."
"The plant’s flowers display hermaphroditism, containing both stamens and carpels."
The plural is grammatically correct but uncommon; singular usage is usually preferred because the term generally describes a condition or biological phenomenon rather than a countable individual.
"The article compares reports of hermaphroditisms in different animal species."
From Hermes and Aphrodite came Hermaphroditus, the mythological figure whose name became a lasting symbol of a body combining male and female attributes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hermaphroditism come from?
The word comes through Latin hermaphroditus from Greek Hermaphroditos, the name of a mythological child of Hermes and Aphrodite. According to the myth, Hermaphroditus was transformed into a being whose body united male and female attributes, providing the model for the later scientific term. The English word appeared in the early 17th century and was initially used for people or beings possessing both sexes. Its established relatives include hermaphrodite and hermaphroditic.
Related word forms
How hermaphroditism is actually used
The term is formal and largely technical. In contemporary human medicine, intersex and differences of sex development are generally preferred; botanical usage remains established.
Easily confused with hermaphroditism
Intersex is the broader modern term for people or organisms with reproductive or anatomical characteristics that do not fit a typical binary definition of male or female, whereas hermaphroditism has traditionally referred more specifically to the presence of both male and female reproductive structures.
Androgyny primarily describes masculine or feminine appearance and traits, while hermaphroditism refers more specifically to biological or anatomical combinations of male and female characteristics.