polyandry

[ pol-ee-an-dree, pol-ee-an- ]
/ ˈpɒl iˌæn dri, ˌpɒl iˈæn- /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR polyandry ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the practice or condition of having more than one husband at one time. Compare monandry(def 1).
(among female animals) the habit or system of having two or more mates, either simultaneously or successively.
Botany. the state of being polyandrous.

Origin of polyandry

From the Greek word polyandría, dating back to 1770–80. See poly-, -andry

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH polyandry

bigamy polyandry polygamy polygyny

Words nearby polyandry

polyamorous, polyamory, polyandric, polyandrist, polyandrous, polyandry, polyangiitis, polyangular, polyanion, polyanthus, polyarchy

Words related to polyandry

polygyny, bigamy

Example sentences from the Web for polyandry

British Dictionary definitions for polyandry

polyandry
/ (ˈpɒlɪˌændrɪ) /

noun

the practice or condition of being married to more than one husband at the same time Compare polygamy
the practice in animals of a female mating with more than one male during one breeding season
the condition in flowers of having a large indefinite number of stamens
See polygyny

Derived forms of polyandry

polyandrous, adjective

Word Origin for polyandry

C18: from Greek poluandria, from poly- + -andria from anēr man

Cultural definitions for polyandry

polyandry
[ (pol-ee-an-dree) ]

A practice in which women have two or more husbands at the same time. A rare form of polygamy, polyandry is practiced by only a few cultures. (Compare monogamy.)