adelphogamy

noun

ad·​el·​phog·​a·​my
ˌa-dᵊl-ˈfä-gə-mē
plural -es
1
: polyandry in which brothers have a wife or wives in common
2
zoology : mating of brothers and sisters (as in some ants)
3
: union of mother and daughter cells (as in some yeasts)

Word History

Etymology

adelpho- + -gamy

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of adelphogamy was in 1888

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Dictionary Entries Near adelphogamy

Cite this Entry

“Adelphogamy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adelphogamy. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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