po·lyg·y·ny (p -l j -n )n. 1. The condition or practice of having more than one wife at one time. 2. Zoology A mating pattern in which a male mates with more than one female in a single breeding season. po·lyg y·nous adj. |
polygyny [pəˈlɪdʒɪnɪ]
n
1. (Social Science / Anthropology & Ethnology) the practice or condition of being married to more than one wife at the same time Compare polygamy
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) the practice in animals of a male mating with more than one female during one breeding season
3. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Botany) the condition in flowers of having many carpels Compare polyandry
[from poly- + -gyny, from Greek gunē a woman]
polygynist n
polygynous adj
polygyny
the practice of having two or more wives at a time. — polygynous, polygynious, adj.
See also: Marriage
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | polygyny - having more than one wife at a time polygamy - having more than one spouse at a time |
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