How Do You Spell HERMAPHRODITIC?

Pronunciation: [hˌɜːmɐfɹədˈɪtɪk] (IPA)

Hermaphroditic is a word that refers to organisms that have both male and female reproductive organs. Its spelling can be tricky, but it can be broken down into syllables: her-ma-phro-di-tic. The emphasis is on the second syllable, which is pronounced "ma" with a short "a" sound. The "ph" is pronounced like an "f," and the "ro" sounds like "row." The final "tic" is pronounced like "tick." This word can be engraved into your memory by sounding it out slowly and repeatedly.

HERMAPHRODITIC Meaning and Definition

1. Hermaphroditic is an adjective used to describe an organism that possesses both male and female reproductive organs. It refers to the condition of having both male and female reproductive structures, allowing an individual to produce both eggs and sperm. This term is derived from the Greek mythological figure Hermaphroditus, who possessed the physical characteristics of both sexes and was considered a symbol of androgyny.

   In biology, hermaphroditism can be observed in various species, including plants, animals, and certain invertebrates. Unlike most animals, which are either male or female, hermaphroditic organisms have the ability to self-fertilize or mate with individuals of the same species. This reproductive strategy enhances their ability to reproduce and ensures a higher chance of passing on genetic material.

   There are two types of hermaphroditism: simultaneous hermaphroditism and sequential hermaphroditism. Simultaneous hermaphroditism refers to the condition where an individual possesses both functional male and female reproductive organs at the same time. In contrast, sequential hermaphroditism describes the phenomenon where an organism starts its life as one sex and later changes its sex to the opposite one.

   The concept of hermaphroditism challenges the traditional view of sexual dimorphism and highlights the diversity of reproductive strategies found in nature. By possessing both male and female reproductive capacity, hermaphroditic organisms have a greater flexibility in their reproductive behaviour and enhance their chances of reproductive success in various ecological environments.

Common Misspellings for HERMAPHRODITIC

• hermaphioditic
• germaphroditic
• bermaphroditic
• nermaphroditic
• jermaphroditic
• uermaphroditic
• yermaphroditic
• hwrmaphroditic
• hsrmaphroditic
• hdrmaphroditic
• hrrmaphroditic
• h4rmaphroditic
• h3rmaphroditic
• heemaphroditic
• hedmaphroditic
• hefmaphroditic
• hermaphroditial
• Hermoaphroditic
• Hermaphroditits

Etymology of HERMAPHRODITIC

The word "hermaphroditic" is derived from the term "hermaphrodite", which itself comes from Greek mythology. In Greek mythology, Hermaphroditus was the son of Hermes (the messenger of the gods) and Aphrodite (the goddess of love and beauty). According to the myth, Hermaphroditus was a divine being who possessed both male and female sexual characteristics.

The word "hermaphrodite" was coined by combining the names of Hermes and Aphrodite. It was used to refer to individuals or organisms that displayed both male and female reproductive organs or characteristics. Over time, "hermaphroditic" evolved as an adjective to describe entities exhibiting hermaphroditism.

Similar spelling words for HERMAPHRODITIC

• hermaphroditus,
• hermaphroditism,
• Hermaphrodism,
• hermaphrodite.