How Do You Spell HERMAPHRODITICAL?

Pronunciation: [hˌɜːmɐfɹədˈɪtɪkə͡l] (IPA)

The word "Hermaphroditical" is pronounced "hur-muh-froh-DI-ti-kuhl", with stress on the third syllable. It is derived from the Greek mythological character Hermaphroditus who possessed both male and female qualities. The spelling of the word reflects its origin, with the letter 'h' at the beginning, followed by a combination of several vowels and consonants. The phonetic transcription helps to accurately pronounce the word and understand its complexity. This word is used to describe something that exhibits characteristics of both sexes.

HERMAPHRODITICAL Meaning and Definition

  1. Hermaphroditical is an adjective that describes an organism or individual that possesses both male and female reproductive organs or characteristics. The term is derived from the mythological figure Hermaphroditus, who was a combination of the Greek gods Hermes and Aphrodite.

    A hermaphroditical organism has the unique ability to produce both male and female gametes, which are the reproductive cells involved in sexual reproduction. This exceptional feature allows them to self-fertilize, where the organism can mate with itself, or they can engage in sexual reproduction with another organism of the same species.

    In biology, hermaphroditism is not uncommon and can be found in various species, including plants, invertebrates, and some fish. This reproductive strategy provides these organisms with greater flexibility in finding mates and increases their chances of successful reproduction.

    The term hermaphroditical can also be used more broadly in a metaphorical sense to describe objects or concepts that combine characteristics typically associated with both genders or that challenge traditional gender norms. In this context, it refers to anything that blurs the lines between masculinity and femininity or exhibits traits from both genders.

    Overall, hermaphroditical is a word that pertains to the existence of dual sexual features or qualities found in organisms or broader concepts, reflecting the ability to encompass both male and female characteristics.

  2. Uniting in one body the character of both sexes.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for HERMAPHRODITICAL

  • germaphroditical
  • bermaphroditical
  • nermaphroditical
  • jermaphroditical
  • uermaphroditical
  • yermaphroditical
  • hwrmaphroditical
  • hsrmaphroditical
  • hdrmaphroditical
  • hrrmaphroditical
  • h4rmaphroditical
  • h3rmaphroditical
  • heemaphroditical
  • hedmaphroditical
  • hefmaphroditical
  • hetmaphroditical
  • he5maphroditical
  • he4maphroditical
  • hernaphroditical

Etymology of HERMAPHRODITICAL

The word "hermaphroditical" is derived from the term "hermaphrodite", which describes an organism possessing both male and female reproductive organs. The term "hermaphrodite" has its origin in Greek mythology. It is derived from the names of the Greek gods Hermes and Aphrodite.

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 mythological story, Hermaphroditus merged with the nymph Salmacis to form a being with the physical characteristics of both sexes.

The term "hermaphrodite" was later extended to describe individuals or animals with ambiguous or mixed sexual characteristics. The adjective form "hermaphroditical" simply refers to something or someone displaying or relating to the characteristics of a hermaphrodite.

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