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polygynous

[puh-lij-uh-nuh s]
adjective
  1. of, pertaining to, characterized by, or practicing polygyny.
  2. Botany. having many pistils or styles.
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Origin of polygynous

First recorded in 1840–50; polygyn(y) + -ous
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for polygynous

Historical Examples

  • In the code of polygynous etiquette, the first wife takes precedence over the others, and each wife has her own cooking utensils.

    Castes and Tribes of Southern India

    Edgar Thurston

  • They are polygynous, but, unlike the Arabs, great independence is granted their women.

  • Woman, on the other hand, cannot be said to be by her physical nature polyandrous as man is polygynous.

    Marriage In Free Society

    Edward Carpenter