protandry

noun

prot·​an·​dry
-drē
plural -es
1
: a state in hermaphroditic systems that is characterized by the development of male organs or maturation of their products before the appearance of the corresponding female product thus inhibiting self-fertilization and that is encountered commonly in mints, legumes, and composites and among diverse groups of invertebrate animals compare protogyny
2
[prot- + andr- + -y] : the appearance of male insects earlier in the season than females of the same species

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary prot- + -andry

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Cite this Entry

“Protandry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protandry. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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