Hermaphrodite

Origin

From Hermaphroditos, the mythical son of Hermes and Aphrodite who merged bodies with a naiad and thereafter possessed both male and female qualities.

Full definition of hermaphrodite

Noun

1. An individual or organism possessing gender-ambiguous sexual organs, typically including both types of gonads. from late 14th c.An earthworm is a hermaphrodite.
2. A person or thing possessing two opposing qualities.
3. (nautical) A hermaphrodite brig.

Usage notes

Intersex is now the preferred term for human description.

Derived terms

Synonyms

• androgyne
• gynandromorph
• morphodite

Adjective

1. Having gender-ambiguous sexual organs, typically including both types of gonads, in one individual or organism.
2. Combining two opposing qualities.

Synonyms

• androgynous
• hermaphroditic