ADELPHOGAMY Meaning and
Definition
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Adelphogamy is a term derived from the Greek words "adelphos," meaning brother, and "gamos," meaning marriage. It refers to a specific form of marriage or union in which siblings of either the same sex or opposite sexes get married to siblings from another family within a cultural or societal context that allows such a practice.
Adelphogamy is a relatively rare and specific form of marriage that has been observed in some historical and cultural contexts, notably in ancient Greece. In this type of marriage, the focus is primarily on the sibling relationship and the union between two sets of siblings. It often involves a complex network of family ties and may serve the purpose of consolidating social, economic, or political alliances between families.
Adelphogamy can take various forms depending on the cultural context, including both monogamous and polygamous arrangements. It is important to note that adelphogamy is distinct from consanguineous marriage, wherein individuals marry their own siblings, as it involves the union of siblings from distinct families.
While adelphogamy has historical and cultural significance in certain societies, it is relatively uncommon in modern times due to changing societal norms and legal restrictions. It is mainly studied by anthropologists and historians to understand the diverse forms of marriage practices and the ways in which kinship systems influence social structures and relationships.
Common Misspellings for ADELPHOGAMY
- Adelphogamie
- Adelphogamay
- Adelphogami
- Adelphogomy
- Adelphogame
- Adelphogama
- Adelphogamey
- Adelphogam
Etymology of ADELPHOGAMY
The word "adelphogamy" is derived from two Greek roots: "adelpho" and "gamos".
- "Adelpho" (ἀδελφός) means "brother" in Greek. It is derived from the word "a" (meaning "not") and "delphús" (meaning "womb" or "cavity"). Therefore, "adelpho" literally means "not from the same womb" or "not born of the same mother". It is often used to refer to a relationship between siblings or brothers.
- "Gamos" (γάμος) means "marriage" in Greek.
Combining these two roots, "adelphogamy" refers to a specific form of marriage where individuals of the same sex, particularly brothers, are allowed or encouraged to marry multiple wives together.
