protandrogonous

English

Alternative forms

• protoandrogonous, proto-androgonous

Etymology

Probably from prot- +‎ andro- +‎ Ancient Greek γονή (gonḗ, “offspring; genitals”) +‎ -ous, from πρῶτος (prôtos, “first, earliest”) +‎ ἀνήρ (anḗr, “man, male”).

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˌpɹoʊ.tænˈdɹɑɡ.ən.əs/

Adjective

protandrogonous (not comparable)

1. (nematology) Referring to female forms of certain nematodes (Strongyloides stercoralis), in which male reproductive organs develop and disappear before female reproductive organs develop.

Usage notes

Compare it with androgynous, which denotes those having physical characteristics of both sexes (hermaphrodite).