polygynia

/pɒliɡˈnaɪə, -ɡɪnɪə/

Definitions

1. noun

A form of marriage in which one male has multiple females as wives.

“In some ancient cultures, polygynia was a common practice among the ruling class.”

2. noun (biology)

A type of reproductive strategy in which one individual, typically a male, fertilizes multiple females.

“Some species of insects exhibit polygynia, with a single male mating with multiple females.”

Synonyms

  • polygamy
  • polygyny

Antonyms

  • monogamy
  • monogyny