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polygamy

Pronunciation: /pəˈlɪgəmi/
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Definition of polygamy

noun

[mass noun]
  • the practice or custom of having more than one wife or husband at the same time.
  • Zoology a pattern of mating in which an animal has more than one mate.
  • Botany the condition of bearing some flowers with stamens only, some with pistils only, and some with both, on the same or different plants.

Derivatives

polygamist

noun

Origin:

late 16th century: from French polygamie, via late Latin from Greek polugamia, from polugamos 'often marrying'

polygamy in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of polygamy in the US English dictionary
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