POLYANDROUS Meaning and
Definition
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Polyandrous is an adjective that refers to a social or mating system where a female individual has multiple male partners or husbands concurrently. It describes a cultural practice or behavior that allows a woman to have more than one husband at the same time. The term is derived from the Greek words "poly" meaning "many" and "andros" meaning "man."
In a polyandrous arrangement, a woman may maintain intimate relationships, including legal marriages if recognized by the society, with multiple men simultaneously. Unlike its counterpart "polygyny," which describes a system where a man has multiple wives, polyandry is relatively less common across cultures and societies.
The reasons for practicing polyandry vary depending on cultural, economic, or demographic factors. In certain societies, polyandry may serve to alleviate population pressures or to distribute land and resources among a smaller number of male heirs. It may also arise in circumstances where men are scarce due to factors such as war, migration, or the influence of external forces.
Ultimately, polyandry challenges traditional notions of monogamy and explores alternative relationship structures. It represents a departure from the common practice of one-to-one marriage arrangements, highlighting the range of diversity in human mating systems.
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Having many stamens, or any number above twenty; belonging to the class polyandria.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for POLYANDROUS
Etymology of POLYANDROUS
The word "polyandrous" comes from the combination of two Greek roots: "poly-" meaning "many" or "multiple", and "anēr" meaning "man" or "husband". Hence, the etymology of "polyandrous" can be understood as "having multiple husbands", describing a system or practice in which a woman has more than one husband at the same time.
Similar spelling words for POLYANDROUS
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