Get more practice with the workbook

Build vocabulary faster with structured lessons and activities.

The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

4.6

✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities, 632 pages.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT

Buy Now

The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

4.8

✔ Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 99 categorized lessons, 232 practical activities, 354 pages.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT

Buy Now

The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Verbs

4.8

Buy Now

✔ Add 1,500 must-know verbs to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 70 categorized lessons, 175 practical activities, 266 pages.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT

hermaphrodite

Hermaphrodite (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

noun

IPA:

/həːˈmafrədʌɪt/

What does hermaphrodite mean?

An organism, typically a plant or animal, that possesses both male and female reproductive organs or structures, allowing it to produce both eggs and sperm or perform both male and female reproductive functions.
"The snail's hermaphrodite nature allows it to mate with any other snail it encounters."

Detailed Meaning of Hermaphrodite

This unique condition enables hermaphrodites to engage in self-fertilization, where they can reproduce independently or cross-fertilization, where they can exchange gametes (reproductive cells) with other individuals of the same or compatible species. Hermaphroditism is observed in various life forms, including certain plants, invertebrates like snails and earthworms, and some fish. This adaptation can be advantageous in environments with limited access to potential mates or as a strategy to increase reproductive success. The term "hermaphrodite" is derived from Greek mythology, where Hermaphroditus was a deity embodying both male and female qualities, symbolizing the dual nature of these organisms' reproductive capabilities.

Example Sentences for Hermaphrodite

1. A snail, a hermaphrodite, has both male and female reproductive systems.
2. The hermaphrodite flower blooms, carrying both pollen and seeds within.
3. In the garden, a hermaphrodite plant is a self-pollinating wonder.
4. The hermaphrodite fish swam alone, yet it could breed and increase numbers.
5. Amidst flowers, the hermaphrodite bee collects pollen, a dual role in nature.
6. A hermaphrodite earthworm enriches the soil, as it can mate with any peer.

Origin and Etymology of Hermaphrodite

The noun 'hermaphrodite' has its etymological origins in Greek mythology. It is derived from 'Hermaphroditus,' the name of a mythological figure who was the child of Hermes, the messenger god, and Aphrodite, the goddess of love. According to the myth, Hermaphroditus was fused with a water nymph named Salmacis, resulting in a being possessing both male and female characteristics. This mythological origin gave rise to the term 'hermaphrodite' in the 16th century, describing organisms, typically plants or animals, that have both male and female reproductive organs or structures, allowing them to engage in both egg production and sperm production or perform both male and female reproductive functions. The etymology of 'hermaphrodite' reflects its connection to the concept of dual sexuality or dual reproductive capability, inspired by the mythical union of Hermes and Aphrodite's child.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun hermaphrodite:

female

male

dual-gendered

unisex

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

More Usage Examples of Hermaphrodite

1. Hermaphrodite organisms exhibit dual reproductive abilities, a natural marvel.
2. In a pond, the hermaphrodite frog croaks, echoing both male and female tones.
3. Evolution sculpted the hermaphrodite to be a versatile, self-sufficient being.
4. A hermaphrodite animal stands alone yet embodies a complete breeding pair.
5. In biology, studying a hermaphrodite offers insights into sexual diversity.
6. The earthworm is a hermaphrodite, possessing both male and female reproductive organs.
7. In some plant species, hermaphrodites can self-pollinate, ensuring reproduction even in isolation.
8. The presence of hermaphrodite flowers in the garden intrigued botanists.
9. Many marine creatures, like sea slugs, are hermaphrodites, simplifying mating in ocean habitats.
10. The reproductive strategy of hermaphrodite fish species is quite complex.
11. Hermaphrodite plants are often self-sufficient in their reproduction.
12. The textbook explained the advantages of hermaphrodite organisms in certain environments.
13. Earthworms are simultaneous hermaphrodites, possessing both male and female reproductive organs at once.
14. Some hermaphrodite animals undergo elaborate mating rituals to ensure successful reproduction.
15. The evolution of hermaphrodite species is a fascinating topic in biology.
16. Hermaphrodite animals can mate with any other member of their species, regardless of sex.
17. Gardeners appreciated hermaphrodite flowers for their self-pollinating abilities.
18. In the world of marine biology, hermaphrodite organisms are the subject of extensive research.
19. The mating behavior of hermaphrodite snails was studied by scientists on the coastline.
20. Some fish species are sequential hermaphrodites, changing their sex during their lifetime.
21. Biologists often explore the reproductive advantages of hermaphrodite plants.
22. The hermaphrodite nature of certain species makes them adaptable to various environmental conditions.
23. The reproductive strategy of hermaphrodite animals can vary greatly among species.
24. The garden showcased a variety of hermaphrodite plant species, each with unique pollination mechanisms.