Gynous

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Relating to or characterized by female reproductive organs or structures; possessing qualities typical of or resembling females; pertaining to the female aspect in biological organisms
2. Associated with the female part of plants or animals responsible for reproduction; exhibiting traits or features commonly linked to females; connected to feminine reproductive anatomy
3. Describing the presence or nature of female sexual organs; indicative of female characteristics in a biological context; relating to the feminine reproductive system or functions

Etymology: In Greek, "gynē" simply meant "woman," and the element survives mainly in botany. Botanists count a flower's pistils, the female parts, with words ending in "-gynous," so a flower with one is "monogynous" and one with two is "digynous." The same element appears in zoology and in terms for female reproductive structures. The most familiar relative is "androgynous," from Greek "androgynos," combining "anēr" (man) with "gynē" (woman). Plato's "Symposium" uses the Greek form for a mythical race that combined both sexes. English borrowed the word and later extended it to describe appearance or traits that blend or blur masculine and feminine qualities.

Synonyms: female, feminine

Antonyms: androgynous, male, masculine