polyandry

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“
In a situation like this, it is doubtful that any solution would be better than polyandry, which is, after all, an optional solution.

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Definitions (6)

Toggle American Heritage definitions American Heritage Dictionary (3)

  1. noun The condition or practice of having more than one husband at one time.
  2. noun Zoology A mating pattern in which a female mates with more than one male in a single breeding season.
  3. noun Botany The condition of being polyandrous.

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Examples (50)

  • It is there they practise polyandry, and their dead are eaten by dogs! —  OM: The Secret of Ahbor Valley
  • In a few societies, polyandry--several men, usually brothers, married to the same woman--predominates. —  Omni: June 1993
  • In those days promiscuity had still the remnants of novelty and her affairs were eagerly discussed, but today, when the weary business of polyandry was arriving at the end of its melancholy cul-de-sac, her reputation, when it was remembered at all, detracted from rather than enhanced her appeal. —  Dancers in Mourning - Margery Allingham - Campion 09 -1937
  • Many societies, scholars and social-workers agree that polyandry could be a better social solution for many problems. —  Achelois: a retired goddess
  • Anthropologists tell us that among various tribes and societies, polyandry is a social and economic necessity. —  Achelois: a retired goddess
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Etymologies (1)

Toggle Century etymologies Century Dictionary (1)

  1. = French polyandrie = Spanish poliandria = Portuguese polyandria = Italian poliandria, from Low German πολιανδρία, taken in sense of ‘a condition of having many husbands’ (in botany stamens), found in sense of ‘a condition of having many men, populousness,’ from πολύανδρος, having many men: see polyandrous.
 

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/pɑlɪˈændri/
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