Defn: An individual which has the attributes of both male and female, or which unites in itself the two sexes; an animal or plant having the parts of generation of both sexes, as when a flower contains both the stamens and pistil within the same calyx, or on the same receptacle. In some cases reproduction may take place without the union of the distinct individuals. In the animal kingdom true hermaphrodites are found only among the invertebrates. See Illust. in Appendix, under Helminths.
HERMAPHRODITE
Her*maph"ro*dite, a.
Defn: Including, or being of, both sexes; as, an hermaphrodite animal or flower. Hermaphrodite brig. (Naut.) See under Brig. Totten.
HERMAPHRODITIC; HERMAPHRODITICAL
Her*maph`ro*dit"ic, Her*maph`ro*dit"ic*al, a. (Biol.)
Defn: Partaking of the characteristics of both sexes; characterized
by hermaphroditism.
— Her*maph`ro*dit"ic*al*ly, adv.
HERMAPHRODITISM
Her*maph"ro*dit*ism, n. (Biol.)
Defn: The union of the two sexes in the same individual, or the combination of some of their characteristics or organs in one individual.
HERMENEUTIC; HERMENEUTICAL
Her`me*neu"tic, Her`me*neu"tic*al, a. Etym: [Gr. herméneutique.]
Defn: Unfolding the signification; of or pertaining to interpretation; exegetical; explanatory; as, hermeneutic theology, or the art of expounding the Scriptures; a hermeneutic phrase.
HERMENEUTICALLY
Her`me*neu"tic*al*ly, adv.