What does polygamic mean?
The term polygamic refers to something related to or characterized by polygamy, which is the practice of having multiple spouses at the same time. This adjective is often used in academic and formal contexts to describe cultures, societies, or individuals that engage in polygamous relationships. Polygamic relationships can take various forms, including polygyny, where one man has multiple wives, and polyandry, where one woman has multiple husbands. Understanding polygamic practices is important in fields like anthropology and sociology, as it provides insight into the diversity of human relationships and cultural norms. The term polygamic is derived from the Greek words 'poly,' meaning many, and 'gamos,' meaning marriage.
adjectiveRelating to or characterized by polygamy, which is the practice of having multiple spouses at the same time.
- Relating to the practice of polygamy.
- Characterized by or having multiple spouses.
"The polygamic nature of some ancient cultures was a subject of interest for anthropologists."
"The polygamic society allowed men to have multiple wives."
"The anthropologist studied the polygamic customs of various cultures."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of polygamic
The term polygamic originates from the Greek words 'poly,' meaning many, and 'gamos,' meaning marriage. It is related to the concept of polygamy, which has been practiced in various forms throughout history and across different cultures. The word polygamic has been used in the English language since the 17th century to describe relationships or societies characterized by multiple marriages.
How polygamic is actually used
This term is often used in discussions of anthropology, sociology, and history to describe cultures or societies that practice polygamy.