polyandrous
Americanadjective
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of, pertaining to, characterized by, or practicing polyandry; polyandric.
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Botany. having an indefinite number of stamens.
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Relating to a species of animals in which the females mate with more than one male in a single breeding season.
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Relating to an angiosperm plant that has an indefinite number of stamens in its flowers.
Etymology
Origin of polyandrous
First recorded in 1820–30, polyandrous is from the Greek word polyándros having many husbands. See poly-, -androus
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Since 1970, Dr. Parker and others have found that males in polyandrous species spend sperm prudently.
From Salon ● Jun. 19, 2022
Three general mating systems, all involving innate as opposed to learned behaviors, are seen in animal populations: monogamous, polygynous, and polyandrous.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 9, 2022
And scientists suspect that, like their polyandrous cousins, female kalutas are capable of internally stockpiling sperm for up to two weeks before fertilization.
From New York Times ● Aug. 28, 2019
When I examined the wider literature I realized just how common polyandrous mating by females actually was across primates.
From Scientific American ● Mar. 16, 2012
The Cingalese were polyandrous before the English conquest, and so many as seven men had one wife in common.
From The Sexual Question A Scientific, psychological, hygienic and sociological study by Auguste Forel
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