Definition

A living thing, such as an animal or plant, that has both male and female reproductive organs.

Example

The garden had a variety of plants, including a hermaphrodite species that could produce both pollen and seeds.

Conversation

Did you know that some plants are actually hermaphrodite?

Really? I didn't know that!

Yeah, they have both male and female parts.

That's pretty interesting! Nature is so diverse.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hermaphrodite → It is formed from "hermafroditus" (from Greek "hermafroditos", meaning having both male and female characteristics) which combines "herma" (meaning Hermes, the Greek god associated with transitions and boundaries) and "aphrodite" (meaning Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty). The term describes an organism that possesses both male and female reproductive organs.

Memory Tip

Think of the Greek gods Hermes and Aphrodite, representing both male and female qualities, to remember that a hermaphrodite has both male and female characteristics.

Visually Confused Words