hermaphroditism

noun

her·​maph·​ro·​dit·​ism (ˌ)hər-ˈma-frə-ˌdī-ˌti-zəm How to pronounce hermaphroditism (audio)
1
: a condition of most plants and some animals (such as earthworms) in which male and female reproductive organs are present in the same individual
2
: the presence of both testicular and ovarian tissue in the same individual compare intersexuality

Examples of hermaphroditism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web They’re all born male, but some turn into females (a process known as sequential hermaphroditism). Manasee Wagh, Popular Mechanics, 19 Jan. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hermaphroditism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin hermaphrodītismus, from Latin hermaphrodītus hermaphrodite entry 1 + New Latin -ismus -ism

First Known Use

1741, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hermaphroditism was in 1741

Dictionary Entries Near hermaphroditism

Cite this Entry

“Hermaphroditism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hermaphroditism. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

hermaphroditism

noun
her·​maph·​ro·​dit·​ism (ˌ)hər-ˈmaf-rə-ˌdīt-ˌiz-əm How to pronounce hermaphroditism (audio)
1
: the presence of both testicular and ovarian tissue in the same individual compare intersexuality, pseudohermaphroditism
2
: a condition of most plants and some animals (as an earthworm) in which male and female reproductive organs are present in the same individual
hermaphroditic adjective
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!