exogamy

[ ek-sog-uh-mee ]

noun

1. marriage outside a specific tribe or similar social unit. Compare endogamy.
2. Biology. the union of gametes of unrelated parents.

exogamy

/ ɛkˈsɒɡəmɪ; ˌɛksəʊˈɡæmɪk; ɛkˈsɒɡəməs /

noun

1. See endogamy
   sociol anthropol the custom or an act of marrying a person belonging to another tribe, clan, or similar social unit Compare endogamy
2. biology fusion of gametes from parents that are not closely related

Derived Forms

• exogamous, adjective

Other Words From

• ex·og·a·mous [ek-, sog, -, uh, -m, uh, s], ex·o·gam·ic [ek-s, uh, -, gam, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exogamy¹

First recorded in 1860–65; exo- + -gamy

Example Sentences

The tribal organization of this period was bound up with an important institution, exogamy, which originated in the totemic age.

From Project Gutenberg

Totemic exogamy clearly represents the earliest form of marriage restriction found in custom or law.

From Project Gutenberg

This form of exogamy does not appear to occur except where the divisions of the tribe are not more than two in number.

From Project Gutenberg

Both forms of exogamy, the unlimited and the limited, observe the same law with respect to the group affiliation of children.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus arises a limited exogamy with indirect maternal or paternal descent, as represented in diagram III.

From Project Gutenberg